Anaerobic Training?

Question

I have been boxing for the last few months, including running and weights, etc. I've lost some weight and am getting into much better shape. Today my trainer had me run some really short sprints (he called them ladders) and I thought I was going to pass out. I was really surprised that I got tired so quickly. I have noticed this with other activities where I need short bursts of energy.

Here are my questions:

+Were these sprints an example of an anaerobic activity?

+How can I increase my stamina in this area?

+What are some other exercises I can do to get better?

I'm not looking for a quick fix, just some good tips on how to improve. BTW - I'm a 40 year old female. Thanks!

Answer 1

1.  Yes, they're anaerobic because they are performed with bursts of speed in a very short period of time, mostly within seconds.

2.  To increase your stamina in that area? Simple.  Devote some time to your sprinting exercises.  In short, practice, practice, practice.

3.  Try circuit training.  It consists of a series of exercises performed one after the other without resting or with as little amounts of rest as possible.  It may involve weights or other forms of exercises, both aerobic and anaerobic.

Answer 2

no sprints are aerobic exercise anaerobic would be something like doing pull-ups, push-ups, bench-press etc.

you will increase your stamina by continuing to do sprints more and more. it will develop over time

for more exercise ideas go to crossfit.com

Answer 3

Yes, they are anaerobic.  Ladders got their name from a class of exercises that used rope ladders laid on the floor.  Athletes step quickly in and out of the ladders as a way to develop footwork and anaerobic capacity.  The old drill where trainees run through a staggered line of old auto tires is another example of this.  You can find a ton of examples on YouTube if you search for "ladders exercise".  A quick rule of thumb is: if you are going flat-out as hard and fast as you can, you are engaged in anaerobic activity.  It is the counterpart to an endurance activity.

The way to increase anaerobic capacity or stamina is interval training.  A simple example of interval training is to engage in a basic aerobic workout (running, for instance), interspersed with some high-intensity exercise (such as your ladders).  Your trainer is probably building your anaerobic capacity gradually.

Other exercises you can do are varied and many.  Just put "interval training" into a search engine or into YouTube.  Find something that you are motivated to do, and do it!