Anaerobic vs. Aerobic

Our bodies store energy as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It's those pesky fats that we all try to target when we workout. During effective weight loss training, calories are burned in a very specific sequence. First we burn carbohydrates, next we burn fat, and lastly we use up protein. Carbohydrates and fats are both burned during aerobic activity. Proteins, which feed our muscles, are only burned in anaerobic exercise.

The Difference Between Anaerobic and Aerobic

The main difference between anaerobic and aerobic exercise is oxygen. Aerobic exercise maintains your body's target heart rate (the fat burning zone), and uses oxygen to contract muscles. Anaerobic is an intense workout that goes beyond your target heart rate, and uses non-oxygenated methods to contract muscles. Anaerobic workouts are short, intense bursts such as bench presses or squats. Actual weight loss, as in shedding unwanted pounds, is Dependant entirely upon aerobic workouts, which burns fat. Instead of fat, anaerobic exercise burns sugar; even your next protein bar can quickly replace sugar. Anaerobic activity can build muscle, however, one needs an aerobic base to see results.

Unfortunately, there isn't always a clear line when your body is transitioning from aerobic to anaerobic. It might not be as easy to say that spinning equals aerobics or weight lifting equals anaerobic. It's more about the intensity level you put into the workout. A simple fitness tip is when you cannot breathe well enough to talk then you've crossed over to anaerobic exercise. Our bodies burn carbohydrate calories and fat calories when we workout at 65% to 85% of our target heart rate. When you exceed 90%, you enter the anaerobic territory and your body is burning up its sugar supply. Your body will feel starved after these kinds of workouts and is more likely to hold on to food. The best physical fitness plans utilize a healthy balance of aerobic and anaerobic to lose weight and build lean muscle. Anaerobic activities should be reserved for once a week. The key to fitness is to work smarter, not harder.