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ANAEROBIC EXERCISE
seen the most significant change in the last 10 years. Where dynamic activities used to be almost exclusively for aerobic workouts, we’ve now seen a substantial increase in anaerobic activities being paired with dynamic movements. The most significant example of this is none other than CrossFit, which combines weightlifting with agility training and speed. DIFFERENT BODIES REACT DIFFERENTLY TO EXERCISE As information about these fitness modalities becomes more commonly accessible via research and social media, opinions on the “right” or “wrong” way to work out become more polarized. Exercise has been a constant game of Ping-Pong with the American public for the last 50 years. Perhaps it would be healthiest to view the topic as being more like a telephone switchboard. Most fitness programs encompass at least some of the fundamentals, so you can mix and match them to find a philosophy that
works for you. The key is understanding that everyone’s body reacts differently to exercise, and different modalities achieve different results. Some people require static exercise to protect old injuries or build large quantities of muscle. Others prefer dynamic movements like cardio in order to build endurance or become leaner. No one fitness program will work for everyone, so there will always be a “new wave” in exercise programs. Finding out which modalities work for you takes time and effort. With these basic concepts laid out, you can better understand how workout programs are built. Investing in a personal trainer, even on a short-term basis, can be invaluable when trying to evaluate your needs. Once you’ve discovered what works best for your body and your goals, you can begin to reap the benefits of your personalized fitness plan.
Powerlifting, sprinting, and other types of exercise that involve short bursts of high-intensity movement are defined as anaerobic. This translates to “without air,” and it’s the basis of the muscle-building workouts Schwarzenegger made famous. Unlike aerobics, these workouts rely more on muscle strength than cardiovascular endurance. While the terms “aerobic” and “anaerobic” are used to differentiate the systems your body relies on, “static” and “dynamic” simply describe whether or not the exercise requires movement. Static stretches, in which you extend the muscle and either hold the position or relax slowly, are typically characteristic of anaerobic workouts, such as stretching and heavy weightlifting. Dynamic exercises, which are characterized by more movement, are where we have STATIC VS. DYNAMIC MOVES
Your 21st-Century Workout intense CrossFit workout. Download Keelo to feel the burn outside the gym. Zombies, Run! adds a little fun to your run by putting you in a “Walking Dead” episode, and Charity Miles donates to charity as you burn calories. Check your phone’s app store and find one that best suits you. FIND SUPPORT WITH SOCIAL MEDIA No, not by posting progress selfies every week. Look into joining a support group online. Support groups are a proven way to accomplish your goals and create better habits. The American Heart Association states, “Seeking out like-minded people will help you make progress and keep you motivated and accountable to your physical activity program.”Whether your goal is to lose weight, get back into running, or simply exercise on a regular basis, there are plenty of online communities full of people eager to share tips, support you through struggles, and celebrate the big wins. Working out can be difficult at first, but these resources can make it easier. What are you waiting for? Craft a workout plan that’s perfect for you, and start sweating! Technology to Get Back in Shape
Exercising is great! Going to the gym or paying for an expensive personal trainer? Not so much. Stop relying on old-school methods to get in shape. The internet is full of free resources to help you get a great workout without ever having to set foot in the gym again. GET RIPPEDWITH YOUTUBE Looking for a specific kind of workout? YouTube has you covered. Personal trainers in every field post videos online. It’s like those Jane Fonda videos from the ‘80s, only with far more options. Build muscle with the ScottHermanFitness channel, find a full-body workout on Blogilates, try a fun dance workout with REFITREV, or take a yoga class on Yoga With Adriene. Most of these workouts require little more than a yoga mat or hand weights, making them perfect for a living-room workout. APPS FOR YOUR PERSONAL BEST Adding a fitness app to your phone is the best way to take your workout anywhere. There are apps for all workout types and experience levels. Get started with the popular Aaptiv, a personal trainer and playlist in your pocket. Or maybe you’re ready for an
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