in bursts, achieved through physical activity that is
performed at a much higher intensity (and therefore
impossible to sustain). This may include sprinting at near-
maximal effort for ten to twenty (or even thirty) seconds,
taking a break, and repeating the process. Resistance
training—weight lifting, for example—is also anaerobic.
While everybody’s anaerobic threshold will be different, the
principle is the same: by momentarily overloading your
body, you provide a powerful stimulus for your cells to
adapt, grow stronger, and become more efficient.
ANAEROBIC EXERCISE
Hard and Fast!
All types of “burst” exercise (such as sprints,
vigorous biking, rowing, battle ropes)
Weight lifting
Steep hill climbing
Interval training
Isometrics
Intense yogaOne visible benefit of anaerobic exercise is that over
time, your muscles grow. This is particularly beneficial for
weight maintenance. While anaerobic exercise itself burns
far fewer calories than aerobic exercise (the long run on a