Anaerobic and aerobic metabolism

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Anaerobic metabolism and aerobic metabolism (anaerobic respiration and aerobic respiration) are the two methods of generating energy in the human body, including converting food sources into energy for exercise, mental activity and physical activity.[1]

Aerobic respiration

Cellular respiration during muscle metabolism.
Source: Betts, JG; Young, KA; Wise, JA; Johnson, E; Poe, B; Kruse, DH; Korol, O; Johnson, JE; Womble, M; DeSaix, P (April 25, 2013). "10.3 Muscle Fiber Contraction and Relaxation". Anatomy and Physiology. OpenStax. Houston, Texas.[2]

Aerobic respiration is also known as cellular respiration.[2]

Anaerobic exercise

Anaerobic exercise is high-intensity exercise that is meant to be very short (10 to 15 seconds) and fast/powerful, and usually can't be sustained for long. Typically the exercise is then repeated after a short rest.[3] The word "anaerobic" means without oxygen, instead of using oxygen to keep muscles going, the energy already stored in the muscles is used, known as glycogen.[3]

Exercise starts with anaerobic metabolism, which relies on ATP.[1]
Aerobic exercise is less intense and begins after anaerobic metabolism ends.[1]

Examples include:

  • Resistance training, like using gym machines with weights
  • Very short sprints
  • Weight lifting[3]

Aerobic exercise

Aerobic exercise is "cardiovascular conditioning ("cardio") that strengthens both your heart and lungs, using continuous movements.[3] The word aerobic means "with oxygen," aerobic exercise is fueled by the oxygen from breathing, which means it can be carried out for an extended period of time.[3]

Examples include:

  • Running or jogging
  • Walking at a brisk pace
  • Swimming
  • Rowing
  • Cycling
  • Step aerobics or aqua aerobics
  • Using cardio machines like an elliptical or stair climber[3]

Energy sources and processes

Normal energy metabolism processes in people without ME/CFS rely on multiple processes.[1]

See also

Learn more

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Callahan, Alice; Leonard, Heather; Powell, Tamberly (October 14, 2020). "10b -Fuel sources for exercise". Nutrition: Science and Everyday Application. ISBN 978-1-63635-003-5.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Betts, JG; Young, KA; Wise, JA; Johnson, E; Poe, B; Kruse, DH; Korol, O; Johnson, JE; Womble, M; DeSaix, P (April 25, 2013). "10.3 Muscle Fiber Contraction and Relaxation". Anatomy and Physiology. OpenStax. Houston, Texas. Retrieved January 28, 2022.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 "Difference between aerobic and anaerobic exercise". WebMD. 2021. Retrieved January 28, 2022.