his is the final instalment of our series about controlling your body weight for a healthier life. In the two previous issues, we have explained why exercise is important. This time we will tell you how exercise is divided into two categories: aerobic exercise and anaerobic exercise. Do you know how each of them can be of benefit to you?

Aerobic exercise is of the greatest value for obese people. Its movements are rhythmic and repetitive. You will breathe faster and your heart will beat faster too during aerobic exercise. It increases the blood flow to muscles and enhances cardiorespiratory fitness. If you wish to keep your weight under control, then you should do some aerobic exercise — such as brisk walking, hiking, jogging, cycling and swimming — for 30 to 60 minutes, five to seven times a week.

Anaerobic exercise includes exercise against resistance. It is essentially high-intensity exercise for a shorter duration, which helps to build muscle mass and increase metabolic activity. It is added to aerobic exercise for controlling body weight and reducing body-fat proportion. Weightlifting, jumping and sprinting are some types of anaerobic exercise.

Although it is not easy to exercise regularly, you can always start by doing as much as you can manage; then gradually increase the frequency if you can. And you should seek advice from specialists if necessary. Just remember that achieving better health is not impossible, if you put your mind to it!