Aerobic vs. anaerobic? What does this mean, and what is the
difference between the two?
Aerobic vs. anaerobic?
What does this mean, and what is the difference between the two?
Aerobic (often interchanged with cardiovascular in terms of exercise) means “with oxygen.”
The definition of this term, as it relates to exercise, means any activity using large muscle groups, such as legs, that is sustainable for long periods of time (at least 20 minutes) in a repeated, rhythmic motion. The exercise must be able to be continued without the individual becoming too winded or out of breath.
Anaerobic, on the other had, means “without oxygen.” As it pertains to exercise, it refers to movements that cannot be sustained because the individual runs out of steam (oxygen supply in the lungs is depleted). These are typically short bursts of movement.
So, now you may be asking, “What exercises are which?”
As I mentioned, aerobic exercises span a longer period of time. Exercises such as walking/jogging/running, biking, swimming, etc., would all be considered aerobic. Exercises such as weight lifting and sprinting would be anaerobic.
A common misconception is that if your heart rate (the number of times your heart beats in one minute) gets elevated, then an exercise is automatically considered aerobic.
However, this is not necessarily the case. For example, holding your breath will raise your heart, but this is not an aerobic activity as you are not using oxygen.
For an activity to be considered aerobic, it must not only raise the heart rate, it must also have the characteristic of using large muscle groups in a continuous rhythmic motion
It is also quite possible (and very common) to go into an anaerobic state in an aerobics class.
How and why? Your heart rate is within a certain range when you are working aerobically. If the rate goes above or below that level, then your muscles are not using oxygen. On the flip side, it is possible to be working out aerobically when you are lifting weights if you keep your heart rate in that range throughout the workout (as would be the case in an interval/circuit training program).
Aerobic exercise relies primarily on fat for its major source of fuel. Once your heart rate reaches the desired level, then your body will call on its fat stores to keep it going. This is why people who are looking for weight loss are advised to exercise aerobically.
It should also be noted that aerobic training is beneficial for your heart, which is why it is also known as cardiovascular training. The better condition your heart is in, the better aerobic condition you will be in. Remember, your heart is a muscle, and like any other muscle it must be exercised to maintain its peak form.
Anaerobic exercise uses the body’s stored glucose (sugar) for its energy. For people who are looking to build muscle mass, this is a more appropriate way of exercising. It provides the short bursts of energy they need.
Aerobic or anaerobic? Both are important aspects to any workout regime. They have different functions to achieve different goals.
If you have any questions, or would like more information about T-Tapp or any other fitness matter, please contact me at (408) 981-1566 or e-mail me at ho**********************@*****on.net.
Karen Seraphine holds a master of arts degree in physical education/fitness management from New York University and is certified by the American Council on Exercise as a personal trainer and a lifestyle and weight management consultant and is a certified T-Tapp Trainer. She owns HomeRun Personal Training in Gilroy.
