Different Types of Exercise: Why Are They Important?

Exercising is important not only for your physical but your mental health as well. However, it can sometimes be confusing to determine which types of exercise should you do first and what are those that are not really important for you. That is why before you hit the Mount Waverly gym, it is crucial that you know the different types of exercise that you can do, with and without using any gym equipment.

Cardio Training

This type of exercise can be aerobic and anaerobic. This is by far the most popular exercise out there. You can do this at home or you can join gym classes to keep you motivated. It offers you limitless workouts. You can use the gym equipment for running, walking, dancing, and more. Basically, cardio is any exercise that can elevate your heart rate to a level that is above the resting heart rate. Here are three types of cardio training:

  • Steady State. It is the pace of your workout which involves any level of intensity. The aim of this type of cardio training is to maintain a steady pace and intensity for a certain period of time.
  • Low Intensity. This exercise refers to anything that can keep your heart rate below % of your maximum heart rate (MHR). It can be a leisurely bike ride or an enjoyable walk.
  • Moderate Intensity. This type of exercise will push your heart rate to 50% to 70% of your MHR. Still, you should be able to carry on a conversation. Activities include running, biking, hiking, fitness classes, and swimming.
  • High Intensity. This zone will elevate your heart rate to above 70% of your MHR. This includes sprints, resistance training, and HIIT or high-intensity interval training.
  • This type will be split into work-to-rest ratios. It includes high-intensity exercises and lower-intensity movements.

Weight Training

Some people think that weight training will only lead to hypertrophy. What they don’t understand is that weight training comes with many goals. Here’s what you are actually working on when you do weight training:

  • Cardio Training. Weight training is another form of cardio training. By using weights or resistance, you are working on your aerobic energy systems.
  • As mentioned this is the major benefit of weight training. It is the enlargement of the muscles. The size of the cells in the muscle fiber is increased.
  • Muscle Endurance. Another benefit of weight training is muscle endurance. This is the muscles’ ability to exert tension for over a period of time.
  • Muscle Strength. This is the maximum force that the muscles can exert in a single effort.

Flexibility Training

You have to remember that flexibility is more than just having the ability to stretch your body to the limit. It’s all about your general musculoskeletal health. Though you may not have been born with natural flexibility, it doesn’t mean that you cannot reach beyond your grasp. Flexibility training is usually neglected or deemed unimportant. However, disregarding this might limit your range of motion and fitness goals. Also, proper stretching can lead to injuries.

Benefits of Exercise

Again, the benefits of exercising are more than just what you see with your naked eye. It does wonders not only to your physical health but your mental health as well. So once you hit the gym, always remember to work on your cardio, weight training, and flexibility training. These three types of exercises work hand-in-hand to help you achieve your fitness goals in no time.