Anaerobic means "without oxygen." It refers to processes or activities that occur in the absence of oxygen
. In exercise physiology, anaerobic exercise is a type of physical activity that breaks down glucose for energy without using oxygen. This process is called glycolysis, where glucose is converted to energy quickly but produces lactic acid as a byproduct, which can cause muscle fatigue
. Anaerobic exercise typically involves short bursts of high-intensity effort, such as sprinting, weightlifting, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and jumping. These activities are intense but last for a short duration, unlike aerobic exercise, which uses oxygen and can be sustained for longer periods
. In summary:
- Anaerobic means without oxygen.
- It applies to biological processes (like anaerobic bacteria) and exercise.
- In exercise, anaerobic activity uses glucose without oxygen to produce quick energy.
- It leads to lactic acid buildup.
- Anaerobic exercise includes sprinting, weightlifting, and HIIT, characterized by high intensity and short duration
This type of exercise helps build muscle strength, power, and endurance