What is Aerobic Exercise?
The aerobic word itself means “with air”. For every movement in the body, we require Energy. So the body needs the energy to exercise. In Aerobic exercise, Energy is used from oxygen present in the body.
The duration of Aerobic exercise is longer than 2 minutes. Although, the time required in Aerobic Exercises is high but with low intensity at a steady state.
For Example. Cycling: It is done at a steady state for more than 2 minutes.
The other examples of Aerobic Exercises are Jogging, cycling calisthenics, etc.
Aerobic Exercises are the best choices if you want to lose weight. It is the same as Cardiovascular exercise. In cardiovascular exercise, Exercises are done which require oxygen. To maintain a steady heart rate and increase the cardio endurance these types of exercises are done.
Aerobic exercises also use oxygen, so they are also a type of cardiovascular exercise.
The by-products formed after Aerobic exercise are carbon dioxide and water. We breathe out carbon dioxide and water is precipitated out of the body in form of sweat which helps in weight loss.
What is Anaerobic Exercise?
The “Anaerobic” word itself means “without air”. The body needs the energy to exercise. In Anaerobic exercise, Energy which is stored in muscles of every individual body is used. The duration of Anaerobic exercise is short but the exercises are of really high intensity.
For Example; Weight lifting.
When weight lifting, we require a lot of energy from our hand and arm muscles. After holding for 5-10 seconds we drop the weight down. Hence, the work done is of high intensity but for short time. These are the type of Anaerobic Exercises. The other examples of Anaerobic Exercises are Sprint Racing, jumping, mountain climbing, etc.
Anaerobic Exercises develop strong muscles. By this form of exercise, bones become thick. Hence, for bodybuilding, these are the most suitable forms of exercise. It is also responsible for developing speed.
The by-products formed after Anaerobic exercise is lactic acid. This lactic acid is responsible for the development of cramps. After vigorous exercise, there is a temporary shortage of oxygen in the muscles,at the same time, lactic acid is formed. That is responsible for muscles cramp after heavy exercise.
Difference Between Aerobic Exercise and Anaerobic Exercise
- In Aerobic Exercise energy is taken from oxygen present in the body while in Anaerobic energy used in muscle is used to exercise.
- In Aerobic oxygen is burnt while in Anaerobic no oxygen is used.
- Aerobic Exercises are done for a longer period, more than 2 minutes. Whereas in the case of Anaerobic Exercise time range is less.
- Aerobic exercises are less intense and done at a constant rate while in the case of Anaerobic exercises, intensity is high.
- In Anaerobic exercise, bones tend to thicken. Hence it is done for bodybuilding and aerobic is done for weight loss.
- The by-products in aerobic are water and carbon dioxide while in anaerobic it is lactic acid.
- The examples of aerobic exercises are jogging, cycling, etc., wherein anaerobic examples are jumping, weight lifting, etc.
Comparison Between Aerobic Exercise and Anaerobic Exercise
| Parameters of Comparison | Aerobic Exercise | Anaerobic Exercise |
| Definition | During Aerobic Exercises, Energy is used in form of oxygen from the body. | During anaerobic Exercise ,Energy stored in Muscles is used. |
| Oxygen use | They use oxygen from the body | They do not use oxygen |
| Time Period | It is done for long period of time. | It is done for short period of time |
| Intensity | Aerobic exercise are less intense | These are done with higher intensity than aerobic exercises. |
| Mainly used for | These are manly done for Weight-loss or to maintain physical fitness. | This is done for body building. |
| By products | The By products formed after Aerobic exercises are mainly water and carbon di oxide | The by products formed is lactic acid |
| Examples | The examples are jogging ,swimming ,cycling etc. | The examples are weightlifting, jumping ,mountain climbing etc. |