Download Difference Between Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise

What Is Anaerobic & Aerobic in P.E.?
by Suzy Kerr, Demand Media
(Photo: Polka Dot Images/Polka Dot/Getty Images )
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Exercise can be grouped into two basic categories: aerobic and anaerobic. While most
people can give you a basic definition of aerobics, anaerobic exercise can be a bit more
difficult to explain. Simply put, aerobic means “with oxygen” and anaerobic means
“without oxygen.” This is referring to whether or not your body uses oxygen to provide
energy for your workout. Both types of exercise are necessary, providing different
benefits for the individual. For P.E. teachers, it’s important to have a mix of both aerobic
and anaerobic exercises to form a well-rounded fitness routine for students.
Difference Between Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise
The primary difference between aerobic and anaerobic exercise is how your body
derives energy for each type of activity. During aerobic exercise, your body produces
energy by burning carbohydrates and fat with the use of oxygen, which is what fuels
your workout from start to finish. Because you get oxygen with each breath you take,
aerobics are classified as an endurance activity. Anaerobic exercise, on the other hand,
involves quick spurts of intense activity. When you’re doing an anaerobic exercise,
energy comes from carbohydrates alone, and oxygen isn’t used in this process.
Aerobic Exercises for P.E.
There are tons of aerobic exercises that are ideal for P.E. class. Brisk walking and
jogging are both examples of aerobic exercise, but group sports such as soccer and
basketball also count as aerobics. Organizing a game of tag or having students
participate in dance activities also work well for children in P.E. Essentially, any exercise
or activity that gets students moving over a longer period of time will fulfill the aerobic
portion of a fitness program.
Anaerobic Exercises for P.E.
Anaerobic exercises usually involve strength-training activities that build muscle.
Provided you have the necessary equipment, older students can benefit from
weightlifting with the use of machines or free weights. Resistance bands are another
useful tool for anaerobic exercise, and children of all ages can use these for muscle
strengthening exercises. Other forms of anaerobic exercise that don’t require equipment
and are appropriate for P.E. include pushups, pullups and crunches. Even group
activities like tug-of-war, which most kids love, qualify as anaerobic activity.
Benefits of Both for P.E. Students
Aerobic and anaerobic exercises make up two crucial elements of a total fitness routine.
Aerobic activity will help keep extra weight off and reduce kids’ risk for obesity and Type
2 diabetes, and also improve their cardiovascular health. Anaerobic exercise, on the
other hand, will help build muscles and make them stronger. Both forms of activity can
also have a positive impact on their mental outlook; the endorphins released during
exercise will boost their mood and help them cope with everyday challenges. P.E. class
provides an excellent opportunity to educate students on the types and importance of
both aerobic and anaerobic exercise, while allowing them to experience firsthand the
benefits of such activities.
References
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Harvard Health Publications: Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Exercise
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IdeaFit: The Three Metabolic Energy Systems
Kids Health: Kids and Exercise
MayoClinic.com: Strength Training
MayoClinic.com: Aerobic Exercise
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Physical Activity Facts
About the Author
Suzy Kerr graduated from Grady School of Journalism and Mass Communications at
the University of Georgia. She completed her Master's degree in Nutrition Sciences,
also at the University of Georgia. Suzy has been a successful health, fitness and
nutrition writer for more than 10 years, and has been published in various print and
online publications.
Photo Credits
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Polka Dot Images/Polka Dot/Getty Images