Introduction
Participating in outdoor sports and activities provides many health benefits. The fresh air, vitamin D from sunlight exposure, and the physical exertion involved in outdoor recreation all contribute to improved physical and mental wellbeing. Most outdoor sports like running, cycling, swimming, and rowing require sustained aerobic activity and get your heart pumping. However, not all outdoor pursuits require such intense cardiovascular exertion.
One of the most popular outdoor pastimes worldwide is actually considered anaerobic rather than aerobic exercise. This means it involves short bursts of high-intensity activity rather than sustained, oxygen-dependent exercise.
Which Outdoor Sport is Not Aerobic?
Weightlifting is the outdoor sport that does not qualify as true aerobic activity.
Lifting weights entails brief intense exertion to move or lift heavy loads. This utilizes the anaerobic energy system, fueled by glucose and phosphocreatine stored in the muscles. Aerobic activities like jogging or cycling require oxygen to generate energy and sustain effort over time.
Although lifting weights can strengthen the cardiovascular system, the act of lifting itself is powered anaerobically. The muscles contract forcefully for a few seconds per rep rather than maintaining prolonged exertion.
Why Weightlifting is Not Considered Aerobic
There are a few key reasons lifting weights is not categorized as aerobic:
- Short duration – Aerobic exercise must be sustained for a minimum of 10 minutes continuously to meet the oxygen demands of the activity. Weightlifting involves brief bursts of intense exertion with rest in between sets.
- Not continuous – Aerobic activity requires maintaining elevated heart rate and respiration constantly over time. Weightlifting involves intervals of exertion followed by recovery periods.
- Anaerobic fuel source – Aerobic metabolism utilizes oxygen, fats, and carbohydrates for energy production. Weightlifting relies on finite stores of glucose and phosphocreatine that allow for short intense bursts.
- Lack of oxygen consumption – Aerobic activities substantially increase oxygen consumption. Weightlifting does not significantly increase oxygen uptake, especially when breathing is held during exertion.
- Doesn’t maintain target heart rate – Aerobic exercise keeps heart rate elevated at 50-85% of max for extended periods. Weightlifting only briefly spikes heart rate.
- Doesn’t burn maximum calories – Aerobic exercise optimizes fat burning for substantial calorie expenditure. Weightlifting burns fewer overall calories.
So in summary, while weightlifting provides many benefits like increased strength, toned muscles, and bone density, it is metabolismically different from aerobic activities. The anaerobic nature of weightlifting distinguishes it from true aerobic outdoor sports.
Examples of Aerobic Outdoor Sports
Here are some outdoor sports and activities that do qualify as aerobic:
- Running
- Jogging
- Cycling
- Rowing
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Cross-country skiing
- Aerobics classes
- Dancing
- Jumping rope
- Kickboxing
- Many team sports like soccer, basketball, hockey, etc.
Anything that accelerates your breathing and heart rate for extended periods while sustaining continuous movement is considered an aerobic activity. Most outdoor sports meet the criteria for cardiovascular aerobic exercise.
Benefits of Aerobic Outdoor Activities
Engaging in regular outdoor aerobic activities provides many benefits:
- Strengthens the heart and cardiovascular function
- Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol
- Burns fat and calories for weight loss
- Reduces stress and elevates mood through endorphins
- Improves sleep quality
- Increases energy levels
- Boosts immunity and overall health
Outdoor aerobic sports also motivate people to get active and provide a fun way to improve fitness. Exercising outside offers an escape from the gym while getting vitamin D and stress relief from the natural environment.
Conclusion
Most outdoor sports and activities like running, swimming, cycling, and hiking provide excellent aerobic exercise. They sustain elevated heart rate and breathing for continuous periods while burning calories and fat. However, the popular outdoor pastime of weightlifting is considered anaerobic rather than aerobic. Weightlifting involves brief bursts of non-sustained activity fueled by glucose and phosphocreatine instead of oxygen and fats. So while lifting weights has many benefits, it is the exception to the rule – the one outdoor sport that does not meet the criteria for true aerobic activity. Taking part in any kind of outdoor recreation has advantages, but aerobic activities offer optimal cardiovascular and fat-burning benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic exercise?
- Aerobic exercise relies on oxygen for prolonged energy production. Anaerobic involves short intense bursts fueled by glucose without oxygen.
What sports are not considered aerobic?
- Weightlifting, sprinting, throwing disciplines, and sports with intermittent bursts like football, hockey, basketball, baseball, volleyball and tennis are not primarily aerobic activities.
Is hiking aerobic or anaerobic?
- Hiking is considered an aerobic activity because it involves sustained periods of elevated heart rate and breathing for over 10 minutes continuously.
Is swimming an aerobic sport?
- Yes, swimming is highly aerobic due to the sustained arm and leg motions required to move through water, elevating heart rate for extended durations.
Why is running considered aerobic but sprinting isn’t?
- Running consists of continuous jogging that keeps heart rate elevated. Sprinting involves brief intense bursts with recovery periods, utilizing anaerobic metabolism.