Aerobic VS Anaerobic Exercise

Aerobic and anaerobic exercises form essential parts of a fitness regimen. Both contribute in maintaining overall health of the person doing them. Simple physical activities such as jogging, brisk walking, rowing, cycling, skiing and swimming are aerobic exercises. High intensity workout such as jumping, weightlifting, stress training workouts and sprinting are categorized as anaerobic exercises. Although we are well aware of aerobic and anaerobic exercises, not many of us know the exact difference between the two.

• The literal meaning of aerobics is oxygen. Hence, aerobic exercise can be defined as the one, which involves the use of oxygen to produce energy, whereas anaerobic exercise makes the body to produce energy without using oxygen.
• Anaerobic exercises are high intensity workouts that are performed for a short time. On the contrary, aerobic exercises generally simple exercises and are performed for a longer time, at moderate intensity.
• A person doing aerobic exercises requires more endurance, because unlike anaerobic exercise (which is done for a short period), aerobic exercise is done for a long time.
• Generally, aerobic exercise is performed for about 20 minutes or more.
• On the other hand, the duration for an anaerobic exercises is two minutes, which can be only sustained for a longer time through proper training.
• The metabolic processes used by aerobic and anaerobic exercises differentiate them from each other. Although both aerobic and anaerobic exercises produce energy through glycolysis (conversion of glucose into pyruvate), the substance used to break down glucose is different. While oxygen is used to break down glucose by aerobic exercise, the anaerobic exercises make use of phosphocreatine, stored in the muscles, for the process.
• Aerobic and anaerobic exercises are done to accomplish individual goals. Aerobic exercises concentrate on strengthening and the muscles involved in respiration. It improves the circulation of blood and transportation of oxygen in the body, reduces blood pressure and burns fat. On the other hand, anaerobic exercise helps build strength and muscle mass, stronger bones and increases speed, power, muscle strength and the metabolic rate as well. It concentrates on burning the calories, when the body is in rest.
• When you perform aerobic exercise, you will notice an increase in the heart beat rate and the rise in your level of respiration. Energy is provided by carbohydrate and fats, when you work out the muscles. On the other hand, the sources of energy during anaerobic activity are adenosine tri phosphate (ATP) and creatine phosphate.