Aerobic vs Anaerobic
By: Mitch Evans

Aerobic training or long slow distance training has many Advantages aswell as Disadvantages

Advantages

Better fat oxidation
Increase cardiovascular function
Greater capillarization
Increase mitochondrial growth
Specificity
Disadvantages

Reduces Muscle mass
Reduces strength
Reduces power and speed
Reduces testosterone levels
Reduces anaerobic capacity
Excessive volume can lead to over training
Anaerobic training or sprints and interval work also has many Advantages aswell as Disadvantages

Advantages

Increase cardiovascular function
Increase Muscle mass
Increase strength
Increase power and speed
Increase testosterone levels
Increase anaerobic capacity
Improve Lactic tolerance
Disadvantages

Level of intensity can lead to over training
Looking at the facts above both training methods are beneficial, but the idea of having to run 14km’s 90% of the time to win the City to Surf just isn’t effective or exactly healthy.

In doing strictly Aerobic training you are neglecting many areas that will help improve your ability to maintain a good tempo and speed throughout your race.

Remember even a marathon runner has to sprint to the finish line.

Work your weaknesses and continue to change it up.

Now go find a hill and start sprinting!!!!

Added: 15-08-2011