San Diego, CA – When it comes to physical activity, many people immediately think of popular cardio exercises such as running, swimming, or cycling. While these are all great ways to get the heart rate up and maintain a healthy weight, it’s important to remember that they only represent one type of exercise.
Anaerobic exercise represents another important aspect of physical activity. “Anaerobic exercise and aerobic exercise are two fundamental types of physical activity, each with distinct characteristics and effects on the body,” says Austin “Ozzie” Gontang, a licensed psychotherapist at Pacific Pearl of La Jolla and the director of the San Diego Marathon Clinic.
One key difference is that anaerobic exercise is more intense but lasts for shorter amounts of time than aerobic exercise. Both exercises also use oxygen differently. “Anaerobic literally means ‘without air’ while aerobic means, ‘with air,'” says David Herzberg, a physical therapist and owner of Launch Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center in Phoenix.
Anaerobic exercise has many benefits including improving athletic performance, regulating blood sugar levels, improving mental health, better cardiovascular health, and increasing the resting metabolic rate. It’s also effective in building muscle, which can lead to improved endurance and cardiovascular health. Examples of anaerobic exercise include weightlifting, sprinting, powerlifting, medicine ball drops, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), bodyweight exercises, and resistance training.
According to Ben Fung, a clinical physical therapist and spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association, optimal results come from incorporating both anaerobic and aerobic exercises into a fitness routine. He emphasizes the importance of diversity in movements, ranges of motion, loads, frequencies, intensities, and postures to provide a balanced approach to physical health and well-being.
Incorporating anaerobic exercises into a fitness routine can provide a balanced approach to physical health and well-being. So while popular cardio activities are important, it’s crucial to include anaerobic exercises to improve overall strength, muscle mass, and endurance.