Aerobic and anaerobic exercise
Aerobic and anaerobic exercise
- is exercise with oxygen: the body can supply enough oxygen to the muscles to meet the demand for energy. It is , and can carry on for a long time.
- is exercise without enough oxygen: the demand for energy is too high and too sudden for oxygen to keep up. It is high intensity, and can only last a short time. It produces , which makes the muscles tire.
The harder the exercise, the shorter it can last, and the more it relies on anaerobic energy.
Key terms
Examples by intensity and duration
| Activity | Intensity | Duration | Mainly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marathon | Low to moderate | Over two hours | Aerobic |
| 100 m sprint | Maximum | About 10 to 15 seconds | Anaerobic |
| A game of football | Changes all the time | 90 minutes | Both |
In football, jogging back into position is , while a sprint to the ball, a tackle or a jump for a header is . Most games, such as netball, hockey and tennis, mix both in the same way.
Exam tip
For 'give a practical example', name the sport and the action: 'a sprint for the ball in hockey', not just 'hockey'.