Aerobic and anaerobic exercise

Aerobic activity is typically low intensity and high duration, such as long distance running or swimming. Anaerobic activity is high intensity, short duration, such as weights or sprints.

Unlike aerobic activity which primarily relies on oxygen and body fat stores to fuel energy processes, anaerobic activity is fuelled mainly by muscle glycogen. During anaerobics, the body goes into a state of oxygen debt which results in acidosis and lactic acid build-up. This prevents performance at maximum intensity, normally after about 60 seconds. Anaerobic threshold (AT) has been defined as the workload intensity at which lactic acid begins to accumulate in the cells. Training can increase AT, mainly by augmenting muscle glycogen stores.

Many sports, including football, basketball and tennis, utilise a combination of aerobic and anaerobic processes.