Can Only Doing Aerobic Exercise Help Me Lose Weight?

Many people have the intention to lose weight, and the best way to achieve this is through exercise, such as running, cycling, or swimming. These are all easily accessible aerobic exercises. We know that exercise can be divided into two types: aerobic and anaerobic. The best approach is to combine both, but many people can only choose one and naturally care about the effect on weight loss. So, can aerobic exercise alone help with weight loss?

Firstly, aerobic exercise can indeed help with weight loss. It can accelerate metabolism in the body, fully and effectively stimulate the body and mind, and improve cardiopulmonary function. Additionally, it can increase the secretion of adrenaline in the human body, promoting fat burning, accelerating detoxification, and releasing heat through accelerated fat burning. Common aerobic exercises in daily life include walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, basketball, and football. These all have weight loss benefits and are relatively simple to perform.

1. Heart Rate: During aerobic exercise, the heart rate is generally between 60 and 80 beats per minute, while during anaerobic exercise, it can reach 170 to 180 beats per minute, which is relatively faster. Choose the type of exercise that you can tolerate. If you have a physical illness, it is not recommended to perform too much anaerobic exercise, and you can opt for moderate aerobic exercise.

2. Energy Requirements: Aerobic exercise mainly relies on oxidizing proteins, starches, and fats in the body. In contrast, anaerobic exercise requires energy primarily from sugars, not fats or proteins. Therefore, after a period of anaerobic exercise, you may feel muscle soreness, which is normal. You can continue exercising without stopping, but if you feel extremely tired, you can rest for a day before exercising again.

3. Duration: Aerobic exercise is easier to maintain because it has a low intensity and can be performed for a relatively longer duration. Anaerobic exercise, on the other hand, is difficult to sustain. After exercising for about a minute, your muscles may feel extremely tired. However, once you get used to it, the next time you exercise, you will feel less tired and may even find it easier.