Compare and contrast aerobic physical activities with anaerobic physical activities

Such physical activities which occur in presence of oxygen are called aerobic physical activities while activities which occur in absence of oxygen are called anaerobic physical activities.

Further Explanation

Aerobic physical activity:

Aerobic physical activity is any kind of cardiovascular conditioning. During such conditioning the heart rate and breathing increases for a period of time. Examples of aerobic physical activity include swimming, running or cycling.  

Anaerobic physical activity:

Anaerobic physical activity includes quick bursts of energy and is performed at maximum effort for a short duration of time. Examples of such type of physical activity include lifting of heavy weight, sprinting and jumping.  

Energy source for aerobic physical activity and anaerobic physical activity:

The heart rate or respiration of a person differs both in the aerobic physical activity and in the anaerobic physical activity. Oxygen is the main fuel in the aerobic physical activity. During aerobic physical activity the blood flow towards muscle increases and the rate of respiration is more thus the amount of oxygen becomes maximum in the body. While in anaerobic physical activity the body require immediate source of energy. So in anaerobic physical activity the body gets energy by the breakdown of stored glycogen. The body’s fitness goals decide whether a person should do aerobic physical activity or anaerobic physical activity. When a person starts doing physical activity he usually likes to start with the aerobic physical activity and when the person is working for a longer time then he adds anaerobic physical works into his routine.  

Answer details

Subject: Health

Level: High school

Keywords

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The anaerobic physical activities are done for a shorter period as compared to the aerobic physical activities. The anaerobic activities are done to increase strength endurance, while aerobic activities are good for the cardiovascular system.

Further Explanation:

Cardio or cardiovascular conditioning or activities are called aerobic physical activities or aerobic exercise. The heart rate and the breathing elevates during cardiovascular conditioning for a particular period. Running, cycling, and swimming laps are some examples of aerobic activities. The main energy source is oxygen, which helps to perform aerobic workouts. One tends to breathe heavily and faster as compared to the heart rate at rest. While performing aerobic activities, the amount of oxygen increases in the blood. The blood flow towards the muscles increases with the increase in heart rate. The aerobic exercise reduces the chances of type 2 diabetes, a stroke, or a heart attack. Other benefits include: weight loss, control of blood pressure, increase stamina, boost mood, strengthen heart, and reduce fatigue. These exercises, when performed with moderate intensity, must be done five days per week while, when performed vigorously, should be done three days a week.

The anaerobic physical activities include sprinting, heavy weight lifting, and jumping, which is done for a short time with maximum efforts to ensure quick energy bursts. The main source of energy during anaerobic activities is the stored energy reserve, as the body requires a supply of immediate energy. The stored energy is broken down into glucose to be used. When a person wants to build muscles, aerobic exercise is beneficial. Some other benefits involve: burning of fat, strengthening of bones, and an increase in stamina. These exercises must be performed not more than three days per week.

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Answer Details:

Grade: High School

Chapter: Types of physical activities

Subject: Health

Keywords:

Aerobic physical activity, cardiovascular system, anaerobic physical activity, strength endurance, running, cycling, swimming, sprinting, heavy weight lifting, jumping.