Types of Exercise

Exercise is necessary to maintain good health. In fact, a regular exercise routine can reduce risk factors for developing certain illnesses and is a great way to manage any condition you may currently have. Exercise can be done by anyone at any time.

We define exercise as a physical exertion performed in an effort to improve health, well-being and overall fitness. Obviously, exercize covers a broad spectrum of activity. In general, you can break exercise into three types – aerobic, anaerobic and stretching.

Aerobic exercise improves oxygen consumption in the body. It is what makes you sweat. Aerobic exercise, to be done properly, requires a warm-up period before and a cool-down afterwards to ensure that the heart rate stays at optimal levels throughout. According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), aerobic exercise “uses large muscle groups, can be maintained continuously and is rhythmic in nature.” Examples of aerobic exercise include: biking, swimming, jogging, walking, dancing, skiing, skating, running, rowing, rollerblading, stair climbing and more.

Anaerobic exercise, by contrast, lasts for a brief time, feature intense activity and demands more oxygen from the body than it brings into the body. Anaerobic exercise requires energy stored in the muscles. It can also be referred to any rapidly-done ‘burst of movement.’ Examples of anaerobic activities include: weight-lifting, sprints, interval training and isometrics (in which one part of the body is used to resist the movement of another part) such as Pilates.

The final category of exercise is stretching. Stretching exercises extend or lengthen the limbs, giving a person increased or added flexibility. Stretching allows you to develop a wider range of motion. Basic stretching exercises deal with specific muscle groups such as calf or hamstring stretches. Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi have stretching elements to them. Each helps an individual develop a wider range of motion and improve his/her flexibility over time.

Of course, some exercises can fit into several categories. In order to reach and keep optimal fitness, you should incorporate movements from each type of activity in your routine.