Strength Training versus Aerobics - What is the difference?
Strength Training versus Aerobics - what is the difference?
By Ronald Godlewski
If you are looking for a total body workout,
you want to combine strength training and aerobics.
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These are two very different types of exercise but they work together to turn your body into a finely
tuned machine. |
Strength Training
Strength training is typically weight bearing exercise or resistance training. It does just
what the title suggests, it builds strength. Weight lifting and exercise machines are examples of strength training devices.
However, pilates and yoga can also be methods of strength training. You don't necessarily have to hold free weights to use
a machine to strength train. You can use the weight of your own body to provide resistance and increase your strength.
It
is a good practice to strength train one set of muscles (such as the upper body) one day and another set (such as the lower
body) the next. Most muscle groups need time to rest and recover after exercise. So while you can work out every day, you
should work out different muscle groups each day to give worked muscles time to rest and repair. This will give you optimal
results.
Aerobics
Aerobics is a cardio exercise that gets your heart rate up and keeps it up. This can be anything
from walking to riding a bike. You can run on a treadmill or take an aerobics class. If it gets your heart rate up, it is
an aerobic activity. You generally move a lot during aerobic exercise.
You can do aerobic exercises every day
because they do not focus on specific muscle groups. Where strength training makes you strong, aerobics makes you lean. It
also strengthens your heart and respiratory system, giving you increased stamina. With regular aerobic exercise, you will
find that you can run faster and longer as well as perform better.
Interval Training
Interval training is a combination of weight training and aerobics and is attributed to
effective weight loss and conditioning. During interval training, you do your regular weight training, but intersperse with
brief spurts of aerobic exercise.
For instance, you do a set of curls, then walk on the treadmill for five minutes. Next,
you do a bench press and then ride a bike for seven minutes. In short, you do an aerobic activity such as jumping rope, walking
on the treadmill, running or riding a bike for short bursts in between each set of weights or nautilis machines.
Interval
training is very popular among athletes because it builds stamina and strength. With people who want to lose weight, it can
bring about fantastic results. Interval training utilizes the best results of strength training and aerobics.
What is a Total Body Workout?
A total body workout involves both strength training and aerobic exercise so
that your entire body is worked. You get the benefits of being stronger as well as having enhanced endurance.
A typical total
body workout consists of working one muscle group (such as the upper body) for thirty minutes or so a day three times a week
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday, then the other muscle group (such as the lower body) for thirty minutes or so three times
a week - Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Aerobic activity is practices every day for about thirty minutes.
Some workouts
differ in times, some go longer and some are shorter, but that is the basic total body workout.
Nutrition
If you are working your body with strength training and aerobics, you need to have the proper nutrition
to fuel your body so that is can perform at an optimum level. You should eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole
grains and lean meats. You need a lot of protein to fuel your muscles, muscle growth and loss of fat.
The various fruits
and vegetables give you the vitamins and minerals that you need. Whole grains like brown rice and quinoa also offer protein,
fiber and minerals. If you are training intensively you may find that you need nutritional supplements. This is very common
for people who train vigorously. There are specific differences between strength training and aerobics.
Actually, these two
types of exercise work together to form a total body workout. When you combine the two you will find that you body is stronger,
leaner and have better stamina. If you want to tune your body to an optimal level, strength training and aerobic activity
are the way to accomplish it. About the Author:
Ron Godlewski has written many articles on health, wellness,
and maintaining vitality as we manage our weight through lifestyle diets. You can read more about the importance of nutrition
while strength training or doing aerobics in his articles library at http://www.pillfree supplements. com and even receive
your own complementary quart of a leading nutritional supplement.
More About Aerobics |
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Aerobic Exercise And Setting Goals If you have started an aerobic exercise program to start off 2008, congratulations, you are on your way to a healthier and happier you. Find Your Aerobic Threshold One of the questions I have been repeatedly asked by those new to aerobic exercise is how to tell if they are getting the most from their efforts. |
