Different Types of Exercise

It is an obvious fact that regular physical exercise, along with a balanced diet are the key factors to control weight and stay healthy. Exercise stimulates the immune system and protects from certain chronic diseases like diabetes and heart problems. There is no doubt that a sedentary lifestyle without exercise is an invitation to several diseases and disorders. Any type of obesity is due to an unhealthy lifestyle, including an inactive schedule. Nowadays, a major concern is childhood obesity, of which the most effective remedy is physical activity.

Different Types of Exercise

People exercise for many positive reasons, maybe for building muscles, strengthening the cardiovascular system or simply as a leisure activity. Whatever may be the reason, exercise is always good for health, if it is performed under safe conditions. It is recommended that everyone should exercise at least 30 minutes daily for good health. Following are the different types of exercise, based on their effect on the human body system.

Flexibility Exercise: Flexibility exercise is performed to enhance the movements of muscles and joints. Stretching and bending are the common ways of flexibility training. This exercise type helps in preventing muscle stiffness and joint pain (to some extent). Along with a warm-up session, stretching exercise should be performed before and after the exercise schedule. This will help to reduce muscle soreness and/or injuries, and in the proper recovery of the muscles after the exercise.

Aerobic Exercise: Aerobic exercise, also known as cardiovascular exercise, strengthens the muscles and promotes the cardiovascular endurance (by targeting a specific heart rate). As the name suggests, aerobic exercise aims at improving the oxygen intake by the body cells. It involves movement of the muscle groups from a moderate to intense level exercise, for an extended period (at least 20 minutes). There are many aerobic exercise such as running, jogging, cycling, swimming, dancing and playing sports. Aerobic exercise is also the best way to lose weight. For an effective aerobic exercise session, a moderate intensity exercise should be preceded by a warm-up period and end by a cooling down period.

Anaerobic Exercise: Anaerobic exercise or weight-lifting exercise is performed mostly to build muscles and enhance their size, strength and endurance. Hence, in anaerobic exercise, muscular activities like functional training, weight training and sprinting are performed, followed by a cooling session. Some of the common activities of anaerobic exercise are sit-ups, pull-ups and push-ups, squats and rowing. Though, anaerobic exercise is performed for a lesser duration, it can be a good supplement to aerobic work-outs.

There is no specific time and place for exercise, and it is never too late to start exercising. In case, you feel reluctant to exercise outdoors and/or in gyms, you can always opt for specific exercise equipments and workout at home. Studies have found that exercise not only improves physical health, but also helps in treating depression and mental illnesses.

However, it is to be noted that too much exercise, without a proper diet may be harmful to health. In such a case, the body cells start utilizing proteins as their energy source. There are also increased chances of circulatory problems like stroke. It is advisable that pregnant women and people who have medical complications should consult and seek advice from their concerned physician, before following a particular exercise program. This will help in recognizing and preventing any possible health risks.