Aerobic exercise

Essentially aerobic is everything we call ‘cardio’, or cardiovascular exercise and during these types of exercise, the main energy source is oxygen. This type of training tends to take place over a longer period of time and causes an increase in heart rate and faster, more difficult breathing.
 
When you think of aerobic exercise, think of long runs, cycling, brisk walking, hiking, rowing … in fact, if you imagine doing a workout on any of the cardio equipment, you are on the right track.
Anaerobic exercise
The opposite of aerobic exercise is anaerobic and effectively translates to “no oxygen”. This type of training is intense, fast and short. In this case, it is not oxygen that is the primary source of energy, but when you participate in anaerobic exercise, the glucose is broken down for immediate and fast energy.

Which is best for me?

There are pros and cons of both aerobic and anaerobic exercise:
 
Anaerobic exercise is generally considered to be the best for training muscles and strengthening bones and is also known to be a great ally when it comes to weight loss. However, due to the intensity with which it takes place, it is usually not something that should be done every day, as it can be quite heavy on the body. Some types of anaerobic training can also put stress on the joints and muscles; think about jumping – continuously jumping can be quite invasive for our knees, hips and ankles.
Aerobic exercise is great for heart and lung health and for anyone new to exercise, as it builds endurance and stamina. Aerobic exercise is also considered to be an ally in helping to avoid diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Plus, it’s great for improving a bad mood – try going for a walk when you’re feeling stressed, anxious or angry, it could be a great cure-all.