Here's a topic that makes all the fitness
guru's upset. Mention it at 24 Hr fitness and you're sure to get an
earful. And unless you are an Olympic sprinter don't even think about
mentioning this to an Aerobics instructor unless you're ready to scoot
fast....
There's been a debate for some time now over anaerobic versus aerobic
exercise and which is better for you...
I
have heavily come down on the anaerobic side for many years only because
of the
observations I've made in my own aging body. I intuitively have found
that I regulate my weight better, feel better and have more energy when I
engage in anaerobic exercise regularly. By anaerobic I mean weight lifting
either machinery or free weights or body weight exercises.
As opposed to aerobic exercising like jogging, cycling, Stairmaster,
elliptical, aerobics classes, etc.
Well,
Dr. Alan Sears, MD ("PACE Power Native Fitness"), citing a study out of
Harvard Medical School, indicates that the effects of aerobic activity are
only achieved while performing the activity and that soon after
cessation of exercise the benefits disappear.
While
with high intensity anaerobic activity, the body continues to burn more
calories and consume oxygen long after the exercise has stopped.
Therefore, aerobic activities burn calories only during exercise, while
anaerobic exercise burns calories during AND afterwards for up to 48
hours.
Other
studies in the past have shown people lose more weight and keep it off
longer by implementing high intensity anaerobic exercise into their
routine versus people who engage in aerobics 3 times each week or more.
Just don't tell your aerobic instructor that...she might want to fight!
Now we know why. There is a period after anaerobic activity that our body
is still burning more calories--our metabolism is set higher by these
activities.
And we haven't even mentioned the fact that many people sustain repetitive
stress injuries from their aerobic activities---that's another fight we'll
have to pick later!
My
bottom line on this issue hasn't changed---do intense anaerobic activity
to build lean muscle mass and maintain weight and do aerobic activities as
a sport because you like it. But don't feel like you must slave away in
spin classes or jog 5 miles a day to stay fit. Science tells us otherwise.
To
learn more about high intensity anaerobic exercise see my newly released
e-book "The Busy
Executive's Fitness Program," which explains the how's and why's of
this principle and takes you by the hand to teach you how you can benefit
from this exercise science. You'll see first hand how I lost 27 lbs and 4
pant sizes in 2 months without dieting! And here's another thing...I only
worked out max twice each week...you've got to try it!
Click here.
To Your Abundant Health,
P.S. Are you stuck? Do you continue to suffer from lack
of success in business or sports despite your best efforts? Open up your mind and
read about an amazing
"mind-body" science that just may be the answer you've been searching
for. Look for "EFT for Success."
P.S.S. Another resource to carefully consider is my mentor in "abundant
thinking," Bob Doyle. Bob was a featured speaker on the incredible movie
"The Secret." His messages really connect with me.
Read
one of his articles here.
