FITNESS FOCUS:
AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC FITNESS
Aerobic (cardio) The word cardio is often used interchangeably with aerobic.
“Aerobic” means “with oxygen,” Aerobic exercise involves a continuous and intensive exercise of
the heart and lungs. Aerobic exercises help strengthen the cardiovascular-respiratory system
and heart rate. Some examples of these exercises involve fast walking, running, biking, swimming
(Chung & Baird, 1999) and indoor exercise equipment like stair steppers and elliptical machines..
Aerobic exercise will:
• Build a strong heart
• Lower blood pressure
• Help with weight loss
• Improve general fitness
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Healthier lungs
• Improving circulation
Lower blood sugar
• Burn up body fat
Resistance to stress
• Increase your energy
Provide more oxygen to muscles
Twenty to thirty minutes of sustained aerobic activity 3 – 5 times per week is the minimum
standard to get the physiological benefits associated with improved HEALTH.
Anaerobic (resistance exercises): The other major type of exercise is anaerobic, which means
“without oxygen.” Anaerobic exercise involves muscular fitness and flexibility. It involves
exercises that result in quick bursts of energy. Anaerobic exercise involves performing
movements against resistance. Anaerobic exercise can be done using barbells and free weights,
exercise bands, sprints, jumping or resistance against your own body.
Anaerobic exercises do not improve or strengthen the cardiovascular-respiratory system
Anaerobic exercise will improve muscular strength. Muscular strength is the ability to exert
force for a brief (typically under three minutes in length) period and apply force against any
object. Examples of anaerobic exercise would be weight lifting, push-ups, pull-ups,
crunches, and stretches. In addition short sprints and yoga are also anaerobic.
Most sports and training activities are a combination of both aerobic and anaerobic. For example,
in soccer, one minute you are jogging up the field (aerobic) and the next you are sprinting to get
the soccer ball (anaerobic).
Revised 2013
6.4.4 Classify physical activities as being aerobic or anaerobic.
Name__________________________________________
Period_________
Aerobic/Anaerobic – 6th grade
Directions: Use the article to answer the questions below. The answers must be in your own words to show
understanding, not just a word for word recitation of what you read. If you cannot answer a question from lack of
information, use the Internet or a dictionary to help. Answers must be in complete sentences.
1. Aerobic exercise means _____________________and involves the heart and lungs.
2. In what way does participating in an on going cardiovascular fitness program help build fitness?
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3. What are three benefits of aerobic exercise?
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4. Identify three kinds of activities that are considered to be aerobic exercises?
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5. Anaerobic means ___________________and involves the _______________________and
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6. How does participating in anaerobic exercise affect muscular strength?
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7. What type of exercise improves muscular strength?
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6.4.4 Classify physical activities as being aerobic or anaerobic.
6.4.4 Classify physical activities as being aerobic or anaerobic.