There are benefits that can be found in participating in any type of exercise or training programs. Depending on your level of fitness and what you would like to achieve can determine what type of exercise you would like to participate in. Two types of exercise are aerobic and anerobic training.
Aerobic training is more commonly known as cardiovascular training and aims to elevate your heart rate and challenge your respiratory system (breathing). These types of sessions will usually incorporate cardio machines (eg, bike, cross trainer, treadmill) whole body exercises, large muscle groups and or/ fast explosive movements. Generally cardio programs are timed based or require to complete a sequence as quickly as you can.
Anerobic training refers to resistance-based exercises or strength training. These can include anything from body weight exercise to lifting weights. This style of programming will aim to improve strength of the muscles being challenged and may focus on increasing lean muscle mass (depending on the program structure and your personal goal). Resistance-based programs are designed to fatigue and strengthen the targeted muscles through movement repetition or explosive movements.
Both cardio and resistance training are completely individualised to suit each individuals capabilities and goals. Therefore both types of exercise are appropriate for people of any age.
Here are the benefits most associated with participating in cardio (aerobic) based exercise
- Improves cardiovascular health / reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Lowers blood pressure
- Controls blood sugar levels
- Aids sleep
- Improves mobility
- Weight management
- Elevates mood
The benefits that are associated with resistance training
- Reduces depressive symptoms and anxiety levels.
- Decreases cholesterol and blood pressure
- Boosts metabolic rate
- Improves bone mineral density
- Improves muscle mass and strength
- Aids joint related pain (ie, arthritis)
- Improves balance
It is clear to see that through participating in these types of programs you can achieve different benefits, however to optimise your exercise outcomes you can participate in a combination of cardio and strength. If you would like to read more follow these links to the exercise is right page for aerobic and anerobic training.
