Benefits Of Anaerobic Exercise

Before finding out what the benefits of anaerobic exercise are, let's define what it is in the first place. Anaerobic exercise is exercise that doesn't directly work out the cardiovascular system. Unlike jogging or cross-country skiing, these exercises don't leave you gasping for air or closer to running that marathon. Instead, anaerobic exercise focuses on strengthening the other muscles in the body. There are two kinds of anaerobic exercises: resistance training and stretching.

Anaerobic exercises essentially strengthen the body through repeated minor trauma. Resistance training, like weight lifting, for example, causes microscopic tears in the muscle fibers. Those tears heal stronger at the break, building thicker and more powerful muscle. Stretching routines, such as yoga, cause hyperextention of  muscle fibers and tendons, leaving them less able to resist motion in the future.

Regular resistance training results in stronger muscles, allowing for a more powerful and durable body. This is especially important as people approach middle age and the muscles start to lose strength. The same process that strengthens muscles also tones them, making for a more attractive body and better self-body image. This increased strength and tone also means better sports performance and makes everyday tasks easier.

A habit of stretching means better mobility and resistance to injury. A body able to bend and twist easily is a body that can take hits or falls with less trauma. Like strength, flexibility is also a factor in sports performance and can make simple getting around much easier.

Examples of resistance exercises include weight lifting, pushups, pull ups, isometrics, pliometrics and rock climbing.  Examples of stretching routines include touching toes, back bends, yoga stretching and high kicks.

Source: 

"Martial Arts After 40"; Sang Kim, Ph. D; 1999