Different types of exercise

[marine02]

I have heard that it is good to take different forms of exercise in the form of aerobic, cardiovascular and resistence training: what is the difference between them all and what types of activity should I take up during an average week to ensure I get enough? Thanks.

[anthomson]

Aerobic means 'with oxygen' so is a form of cardiovascular exercise. With this type of exercise you are strengthening the heart, lungs and circulation. Any exercise that get your heart beating faster and has you breathing heavily is working out you cardiovascular system. Resistance training or weight training is intended to build muscle. Obviously there is a crossover, aerobic exerice will build some muscle and resistance training will exercise your heart but I think serious muscle-builders try to avoid too much cardiovascular exercise since it will 'eat' the muscle they are trying to build. I would say it is best to get a mix of both and aim for a healthy heart and toned body. So brisk walking, football, karate, tennis, steps etc for your heart and maybe a bit of weight training to improve the muscle tone. Traditional exercises like push-ups and situps will give you a good mix of both type of exercise. Incidently these electronic gadgets that twitch your muscles whilst you are watching the TV have no cardiovascular benefit whatsoever I am afraid.

[marine02]

Thanks anthomson, that was very informative, I appreciate it. :)