Take Aerobics Classes at Our Numerous U.S. Locations

Learn More About Aerobic & Anaerobic Exercise

We’ve all heard about the endless benefits of cardio, high-intensity interval training (HIT) workouts, and all kinds of group fitness classes. While most of us are familiar with the general benefits of exercise, not all of us are educated about the benefits of specific types of exercise. As far as workouts go, many can be grouped within aerobic and anaerobic activity. Both categories involve getting your heart pumping, building muscle and burning calories. But have you ever wondered about the details of these types of exercise? The team at Wellbridge is here to help you understand the advantages of aerobic classes and what makes it different from anaerobic activity. Read up on the details or schedule a session with one of our workout trainers across the United States.

What Is Aerobic Exercise?

Aerobic exercise, better known as cardio, is any physical exercise dedicated to getting your heart pumping. You can do cardio at low-intensity or high-intensity intervals, depending on your fitness goals and current stamina. The key is to get your heart and lungs working hard—this way, your cardiovascular system becomes better able to transport oxygen throughout the body. While you have a plethora of options for aerobic exercise, some common activities include cycling, swimming or jogging for at least 15 minutes. Other aerobic activity you may want to incorporate into your routine include:

• Brisk walking
• Rowing
• Skating
• Climbing stairs
• Elliptical session
• Sports, such as tennis and martial arts
• Dance
• Zumba classes

Why Invest Your Time in Aerobic Exercise?

Aerobic exercise is essential to any well-rounded fitness routine or workout class. As any personal trainer will tell you, aerobic exercise triggers the fat burning process. Not only does it help with weight loss, but it also helps to strengthen your cardiovascular system and endurance. Studies also suggest that this type of activity is instrumental in lowering blood pressure and stabilizing blood sugar levels. In addition to physical benefits, many people also report fewer instances of depression when they spend time on aerobics.

Pencil Aerobic Exercise into Your Schedule

Most of us know the importance of aerobics for good physical health. But how often do you need to do these activities to reap the benefits? The truth is, any exercise is better than no exercise. Any activity you can fit into your schedule, even for just a few minutes, is never a waste of your time. However, athletes or those looking for clear results from their training should aim for aerobic exercise three to five times a week for at least 20 minutes at a time. If weight loss is your goal, set aside about an hour per day for cardio. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t overdo your exercise regimen right away, especially if you’re a beginner. The fitness trainers at Wellbridge are dedicated to your health, so they often recommend starting slow and gradually building intensity each week.

What Makes Anaerobic Exercise Different?

While anaerobic exercise involves many of the same moves as aerobic, there are also plenty of details that make it different. Rather than consisting of long, stamina-driven exercises, anaerobic activity happens in short bursts of high-intensity movement. Jumping and high-intensity interval training (HIT) are excellent ways to get your daily dose of anaerobic exercise. These quick and intense activities cause your body to dip into energy stores in the muscles rather than depending solely on oxygen from breathing. Anaerobic exercise of all kinds is a fantastic way to build muscle and burn calories. In fact, studies show that you may burn calories for up to 38 hours after finishing your workout.

Benefits of Adding Anaerobic Exercise

It’s hard to overstate the benefits of penciling in some time for anaerobic exercise. For one, this type of activity allows you to burn more calories in a shorter time. That means just as much benefit without the time commitment. Anaerobic exercise is also an excellent way to strengthen muscles and joints. Other perks of anaerobic activity include:

• Improved Endurance: Anaerobic exercise often results in lactic acid buildup, which causes your body fatigue and need a quick break. The more you participate in this type of activity, the better your body will be able to withstand the production of lactic acid.
• Boosted Metabolism: Because anaerobic activity strengthens and builds lean muscle, it also allows you to burn more calories in a shorter period of time.
• Increased Energy: While it may seem counterintuitive, regular anaerobic activity can increase your energy in the long run. In the same vein, this type of exercise can also reduce depression and feelings of fatigue.

How to Add Anaerobic Exercise to Your Routine

Skipping your daily anaerobic exercise is often tempting. After all, this type of activity is a major challenge, even for those who are already fit. The good news is that anaerobic activity will get easier as you do it more often. Strive to a little more than you did yesterday, and soon enough, you’ll be a seasoned pro! Start small with one or more of the following exercises, and gradually build until you see and feel results:

• Circuit training
• HIT workouts
• Weightlifting
• Sprints
• Exercises incorporating jumps

Get the Best of Both Worlds

All too often, we look for black and white answers when it comes to working out. But truth be told, neither aerobic nor anaerobic exercise is better than the other. Whether you choose to participate in some group barre workouts, or you prefer to take boxing classes, you’ll reap the benefits of becoming more active. However, the best approach to your personal fitness is a combination of aerobic and anaerobic activity. When you meld these varieties of exercise, you receive all the benefits of stronger muscles, increased endurance, and improved heart health. Don’t have time for a full workout? In a time crunch, it’s better to get your aerobics in and save anaerobic activity for tomorrow.

Look to Our Certified Personal Trainers for Help

Home workout pros can see lots of success navigating their fitness journeys alone. However, you may find yourself stuck at times. When you get stuck in a rut, it’s time to consider a personal trainer. Our fitness clubs employ numerous certified fitness trainers to meet your needs. Whether you’re interested in online fitness classes or in-person instruction, we’ll find the perfect coach for you. Our clubs offer opportunities for one-on-one help, as well as enjoyable group exercise classes. Whatever your preference, you’ll find a way to meet your fitness goals at one of the many Wellbridge across the United States.