|
The Benefits Of Anaerobic Exercise
Anaerobic exercise is high intensity muscular activity that lasts for a short period of time. Anaerobic
means "without oxygen," so when you exercise anaerobically your body does not use oxygen to produce energy
like it does when you exercise aerobically.
Strength training (also known as weight lifting or weight training), calisthenics (push-ups, pull-ups etc.)
and isometrics (one body part resisting the movement of another body part) are examples of anaerobic exercise.
Strength training is the most effective type of anaerobic exercise. Strength training builds lean muscle
mass and increases muscular strength faster and more effectively than calisthenics or isometrics.
Here are the top five benefits of strength training:
1. Reduces health risks. Strength training helps prevent cardiovascular disease, obesity, low back
pain, arthritis, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. Even if you already suffer from one of these
ailments, strength training can help alleviate the ailment. Strength training also strengthens your immune
system.
2. Builds lean muscle mass. The loss of lean muscle mass can begin as early as your mid-20s, and
it results in a loss of strength, a slower metabolism and decreased functional fitness. The loss of muscle
is not the normal result of aging, it's primarily the result of a sedentary lifestyle. If you don't use your
muscles they waste away. Strength training is the most effective way to build and maintain lean muscle mass
and stay strong and functionally fit.
3. Increases bone strength and density. It's estimated that over 200 million people worldwide suffer
from osteoporosis. 30%-50% of women and 15%-30% of men will suffer a fracture related to osteoporosis in their
lifetime. Consuming dairy products and taking calcium supplements to increase bone strength and density is not
enough. Bones need to be challenged by weight bearing exercise or they will become soft and brittle. Strength
training will increase the strength and density of your bones more than any other type of exercise. And if
you've already lost some bone, strength training can actually help restore some of it.
4. Helps you lose weight. Strength training is just as important as aerobic exercise and diet when
it comes to losing weight. Strength training builds lean muscle mass, and the more lean muscle mass you have
the higher your metabolism will be. A higher metabolism causes your body to burn more calories 24/7.
5. Helps you look good. Strength training is the most effective way to reshape your body and improve
your physical appearance.
As you can see, the benefits of anaerobic exercise, specifically strength training, are powerful. So make sure
that strength training is a part of your fitness program.
Visit the Strength Training Guidelines page for information on
how to safely and effectively incorporate strength training into your fitness program.
Recommended Resource
Bodybuilding Revealed is a comprehensive program that shows you how
to use strength training and proper nutrition to increase lean muscle mass and decrease body fat.
Read my review of Bodybuilding Revealed
Leave the Benefits Of Anaerobic Exercise page and return to the Home page
|
