What Is Anaerobic & Aerobic Fitness?

Aerobic and anaerobic exercise are both important for overall fitness.

A good exercise program consists of both anaerobic and aerobic exercises. The difference between the two can be summed up in one word---oxygen.

Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise requires and allows the use of oxygen while doing the exercise. Examples of aerobic exercises are running on treadmills, riding stationary bikes and using elliptical machines.

Anaerobic Exercise

Anaerobic exercise forces your body to make energy without oxygen. Examples of anaerobic exercise are weight training, sprinting 40 yards, doing a fast break in basketball or playing tennis. These activities require large amounts of energy that your body cannot sustain for long periods.

You Need Both

In order to have a balanced fitness program, you need both aerobic and anaerobic exercises. Exercise, both aerobic and anaerobic, helps people sleep better, handle stress better and age better.

Benefits of Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise is good for weight loss, building endurance and heart and lung health.

Benefits of Anaerobic Exercise

Anaerobic exercise builds muscles, burns calories and increases your overall fitness.

References

• Families: Health Fitness
• Prevent Disease: Modes of Fitness, Aerobic & Anaerobic