Not sure what the difference between aerobic and anaerobic activity is? In our Get Fit For 2012 group, FitSugar reader meetcasey explains what each term means and why we should be doing both.
Aerobic exercise requires the body to utilize oxygen to create energy. With anaerobic exercise, the body creates energy without extra oxygen — your body relies on its natural chemicals to create energy.
Learn the benefits of each, after the break!
A daily dose of aerobic exercise is good for your mind just as much as it is for your heart and waistline.
One of the many downfalls of aging is that our brains become not as sharp as they used to be resulting in forgetting things easily along with the reduced ability to pay attention. Recent research out of the Netherlands has found that aerobics can boost cognitive processing speed, motor function, and visual and auditory attention in older adults. In other words: regular aerobic exercise may actually help keep that brain of yours sharp as a needle well into your golden years.
Looking for ideas? Check out some of my own cardio ideas, sign up for a fun new class, or try out an exercise DVD.
It is no real news that exercise helps reduce stress. I am a living proof of that fact. Scientists are continuing to study the relationship between stress reduction and exercise.
In a recent study participants had their blood drawn before and after completing two really frustrating tasks. The stress induced heart damaging chemicals spiked 5 times higher in the least fit subjects. The fit subjects were folks that jogged or cycled twice a week as well as walked for 30 - 40 minutes twice a week. The fitter people were generally leaner, minimizing their body fat. And it is fat that produces inflammatory chemicals that lead to heart disease.
The researchers conducting this study feel that two intense workouts a week should be enough to beat the stress. I just want to reiterate that was just 2 workouts a week. If you tend to fly off the handle, this could be the prescription for you.
There's so many options when it comes to getting an aerobic workout. FitSugar wants to know which of the following is your favorite way to get your heart rate up? 
