Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Exercise
Physical and Psychological Benefits
Aerobic Physical
1. Keep excess pounds at bay
2. Increase your stamina
3. Ward off viral illnesses
4. Keeps arteries clear: boosts High-Density
Lipoprotein (HDL or “good”) cholesterol, lowers
Low-Density (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol
5. Manage chronic conditions: lower blood
pressure and control blood sugar
Anaerobic Physical
Aerobic Psychological
1. Boosts your mood: can ease the gloominess
of depression, reduce tension associated with
anxiety, and promote relaxation
2. Improved self-esteem and body image
3. Increases feelings of energy
4. Improved confidence in your abilities
5. Increased concentration and focus
Anaerobic Psychological
1. Greater pain threshold following short-term
exercise
1. Increases feelings of general self-worth and
self-esteem
2. Builds and maintains lean muscle mass
2. Many of the same benefits we see from
aerobic exercise
3. Increases bone strength and density
4. Boosts metabolism
Dak Damour
Sources
Applied Sport Psych. Association for Applied Sport Psychology. Web. 21 June 2013.
Cohen, Gillian E, MA, and Shamus, Eric, PhD. Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. College
of Allied Health & Nursing at Nova Southeastern Universtiy, 2009. Web. 22 June 2013.
Mayo Clinic Staff. CNN. MayoClinic, 12 Feb. 2011. Web. 21 June 2013.
Plummer, Jim. Functional Fitness Facts. Functional Fitness Facts, 2013. Web. 22 June 2013.