CARDIOVASCULAR vs AEROBICS vs ANAEROBICS EXERCISES
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between cardiovascular, aerobic and anaerobic exercises? You have come to the right place! Today's blog is all about intimating you with the differences and similarities of these exercises. Cardio and aerobic exercises are the same but they use slightly different mechanisms when being performed. Anaerobic exercise on the other hand, is the opposite of Aerobic.
CARDIOVASCULAR EXERCISE
Cardiovascular exercises are exercises that strengthen our cardiovascular system. When exercising our breath quickens and this causes our heart rate to increase which causes blood to pump oxygen and blood to the muscles. Any activity we do that increase our heart rate is cardiovascular exercise. Exercises such as jogging, swimming or dancing are cardiovascular exercises. What most people refer to as ''Aerobic exercise is cardiovascular exercise. However, there is a slight difference in the mechanism in which they are performed.
AEROBICS EXERCISE
Aerobic exercises are exercises that use oxygen. The word ''Aerobics'' means ''with oxygen.'' Aerobic exercises increase the heart rate and breathing rate and boost blood circulation in the body. Aerobic exercises are exercises that help you build endurance, increase heart and breathing rate over a short period. Activities that require you to sweat and breath heavily means your body needs oxygen and this is a simple form of aerobic exercise. Aerobic simply means the oxygen required while exercising. Examples of aerobic exercise include brisk walking, swimming and cycling.
ANAEROBIC EXERCISES
Anaerobic exercises are exercises done without using oxygen. The word ''Anaerobic'' contrary to Aerobic, means ''without oxygen'', which means the exercises are performed without oxygen. Anaerobic exercises usually involve short, intense physical activity that could drain you in a short time. Exercises that require a short burst of energy such as sprinting and weightlifting are forms of anaerobic exercise. Anaerobic exercises use fast-twitch fibres which are usually activated when our bodies are near maximum exertion which usually occurs when we do exercises that require a burst of energy. Anaerobic exercises use more oxygen than the heart and lungs can supply to the body at that time which may cause a high level of lactic acid to get into the blood, which leads to muscular burnout and exhaustion.
All these exercise types are beneficial for our health, although each will benefit the body in different ways. Oxygen helps us to break down fat and carbohydrate in our body to keep us running at our best. The more oxygen our bodies can take, the more fat and carbohydrate we can burn, which also keeps us fit and we can only do this by regular exercise.
The type of exercise you do is dependent on what you hope to achieve in the long run. For instance, if you are a professional athlete, anaerobic is the best exercise for you. You may end up wasting your time and not achieving your goal if you settle for Aerobics exercises. Keep your ''why'' in mind and this would help you to make the decision as to which of the exercises is best for you
