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Aerobic vs Anaerobic Based Exercise
1) Aerobic Based 2) Anaerobic Based
When we exercise, the body generates energy (by burning fuels) to perform work. The principal fuels used are the body’s stores of fat, carbohydrate or protein. These fuels can be converted into energy by one of two processes, the aerobic metabolic process or the anaerobic metabolic process.
At the beginning of exercise, energy is initially produced anaerobically until the respiratory and cardiovascular systems respond and supply the oxygen necessary for aerobic energy production, hence the increase in breathing and heart rates. Once oxygen supply is sufficient, most of the energy will be produced aerobically, with the balance supplemented anaerobically. The lactate formed by this residual anaerobic production is easily dissipated by the body’s organs, avoiding any onset of fatigue.
As exercise intensity increases, the ability of the muscles to produce energy aerobically will reach a limit (defined by the capacity of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems to supply additional oxygen). At this point the body cannot supply enough oxygen, and energy production moves to the anaerobic system. This transition point is the maximal aerobic output and is called the aerobic (lactate) threshold. Exercise above this level causes a rapid build-up of lactate, leading to muscle fatigue which will cause cessation of exercise.
Knowledge of the aerobic/anaerobic process is essential for the successful attainment of specific exercise aims. Fat burn (weight maintenance), cardio-vascular training (cardio-vascular or endurance fitness) and anaerobic training (tolerance to fatigue) all rely on an understanding of the way our body produces energy.
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In
this module, we have separated exercise into two distinct groups;