Aerobic Training vs. Anaerobic Training Comparative Essay

Aerobic Training vs. Anaerobic Training Each person has different goals when wanting to become physically fit, but not many people know the difference between aerobic and anaerobic training. Even though aerobic and anaerobic training both contribute in maintaining overall health and both produce energy through glycolysis, which is the conversion of glucose into pyruvate, the training are different to achieve different results and the metabolic processes used by these two types of training are different. It is very important to know how to distinguish the differences between aerobic and anaerobic exercises to achieve different goals. Both aerobic and anaerobic training are equally important as stated by Lauren Bateman, â€Å"However, you need both anaerobic and aerobic exercise to be truly healthy† (Bateman, 2006-2011). I will discuss the difference between aerobic and anaerobic training so that you can achieve your goals effectively and proficiently. Aerobic training consists of physical activities such as jogging, brisk walking, rowing, cycling, skiing, and swimming. These are simple exercises that are performed at a low or moderate intensity and at longer period of time. When performing aerobic exercises, you activate the slow twitch muscles in your body. Lauren Bateman states, â€Å"Aerobic exercise means that you need to get continuous and large amounts of oxygen in order to generate energy† (Bateman, 2006-2011), so aerobic training produces energy through glycolysis by using oxygen to break down glucose as part of its metabolic process. Aerobic training should be for individuals whose goals are to lose weight and get slimmer, burn fat and tone their body, improve the circulation of blood and transportation of oxygen in the body, or strengthening and the muscles involved in respiration which is increasing their stamina. Anaerobic training consists of physical activities such as sprinting, jumping, weightlifting, and stress training. These are high intensity exercises that are performed for a short period of time. When performing anaerobic exercises, you activate the fast twitch muscles in your body. As stated by Lauren Bateman, â€Å"Anaerobic exercise such as weight lifting does not require large amounts of oxygen because the activity itself is very brief and intense† (Bateman, 2006-2011), so anaerobic training produces energy through glycolysis by the use of phosphocreatine, stored in the muscles, to break down glucose instead of oxygen as part of its metabolic process. Anaerobic training should be for individuals whose goals are to increase speed, power, strength, body mass, and agility depending on the anaerobic exercises. For instance, sprinting improves speed and power, weightlifting improves strength and body-mass, and vertical jumps improve muscular power and agility. In conclusion, choosing whether to conduct aerobic or anaerobic training depends on the goal that certain individual is trying to achieve. Even though aerobic and anaerobic training both contribute in maintaining overall health, it is very important to know how to distinguish the differences between aerobic and anaerobic exercises to achieve different goals effectively and proficiently. Even though it is important to know the difference between aerobic and anaerobic training, just remember they are also equally important. References Bateman, L. (2006 – 2011). Aerobic Vs Anaerobic Exercise. Retrieved June 8, 2011, from Todays Women and Health Website: http://www. todays-women-and-health. com/anaerobic-exercise. html