Enlightening, controversial ideas on weight training, diet, exercise, running, biking, home workouts and more. May not be reprinted without permission. Like any profession, fitness training has a language all it's own. The following is a glossary of the most commonly used terms you might hear at the gym. Aerobic A low-intensity, sustained activity that relies on oxygen for energy.
Aerobic activity builds endurance, burns fat and conditions the cardiovascular system.
To attain an aerobic effect you must increase your heart rate to 65 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate, and maintain this level for at least 20 minutes. Examples of aerobic exercise include running, brisk walking, bicycling, swimming and aerobic dance. Anaerobic High-intensity exercise that burns glycogen for energy, instead of oxygen. Anaerobic exercise creates a temporary oxygen debt by consuming more oxygen than the body can supply. An example of anaerobic exercise includes weight lifting.