Aerobic or anaerobic exercise for weight loss: which is better?

It is very common for people, at some point in their life, to want to lose weight due to excesses. It is becoming more and more common to have a fast-paced life in which we move little and eat badly after hours . Therefore, there is a day when we get up, stand in front of the mirror and discover that we have to eliminate those extra pounds that make us feel uncomfortable, even invite us to believe that our clothes have shrunk. It is not an aesthetic problem, but a health problem, because to protect our body we must move away from both extreme thinness and overweight . Now the question is this: is aerobic or anaerobic exercise better for weight loss? We explain all the details throughout this article so that you can choose the best option taking into account your needs and your lifestyle.

What is aerobic exercise and what is anaerobic?

If we want to decide between aerobic or anaerobic exercise to lose weight , the first step is to know the differences between the two. If we talk about aerobic exercise , we must emphasize that it is one that is based on activities with lower intensity if we compare them with those carried out within anaerobic training. Now, they unfold in a broader time . Among them are running, swimming, walking or cycling , among others. The body, in order to obtain the necessary energy to perform them, burns fat and carbohydrates, therefore, people who seek to lose weight tend to bet first on this type of sports.

On the other hand, anaerobic exercise relies on high intensity activities . For example, short runs at high speed, weight lifting or sit-ups , that is, exercises that require a high effort but are performed for a short time. When we work our muscles through anaerobic training, we achieve greater performance and support greater intensity. For this reason, those who want to see their muscle mass and power increased by it . Also those who want to strengthen their musculoskeletal system .

Prior check

Now, before throwing ourselves into one method or another, what we must do is a prior control that helps us to know our state and our physical resistance to know what we can practice and what not. For example, we can measure it through a stress test that tells us where we are. Likewise, we must not forget that training will be of no use if we do not follow a healthy diet . In this way, it is advisable to have a professional guide us when following a sports routine and when preparing a menu adapted to our characteristics.

 Ejercicio aeróbico o anaeróbico para perder peso

Aerobic activities and weight loss

As we have said before, aerobic activities are usually the option that most people choose when it comes to losing weight . Of course, it is a good decision, because through them we manage to increase metabolic activity. Thus, if we also reduce the amount of calories ingested , we will achieve our goal by reducing the accumulated fat reserves in the body. Likewise, we will have better blood flow and stronger health .

Muscle toning and weight loss

When we lose weight, it is very likely that our muscle toning is not what we are looking for , especially if it is done quickly. This is because the skin is not kept smooth and the muscles are flaccid . The reason is that aerobic exercise does not work the muscles as such.

Therefore, if what we are looking for is to lose weight and also have a good muscular state , we must take into account anaerobic exercise . Thus we will avoid, for example, the appearance of sagging skin that we like so little. Now, we also have to spend a few minutes running or cycling.

Diet and weight loss

As we have said before, diet is linked to weight loss . No matter how much exercise we do, we cannot eat as much as we want, because in this way, the fat can not only not disappear, but also multiply.

Thus, if what we are looking for are those products with which the numbers that appear on the scale are reduced and, in turn, not starving at all, a good option is to bet on legumes . A chickpea salad or a lentil dish will allow us to feel strong, healthy and reduce those extra kilos.

Likewise, fruit is essential and we must eat several pieces throughout the day . For example, for breakfast, for dessert at lunch and for dinner. The same goes for vegetables . It does not hurt to bet on a puree throughout the day. Being light, it is highly recommended before going to sleep. On the other hand, nuts give the opportunity to lose weight and feel energetic at the same time, as they are rich in iron, zinc and selenium.