Aerobic Exercise

There are two types of exercise are aerobic and anaerobic. The main difference between the two are how the energy is produced. Adenosine Triphosphate is the main energy source and it is also called ATP.

The first system to produce ATP is the aerobic system. When the body is getting enough oxygen- the aerobic system is the predominant system. Aerobic ATP production takes place in the mitochondria of the cells.

The anaerobic system is where ATP production takes place when there is not enough aerobic energy production to meet the bodies needs. This time the ATP production takes place outside the mitochondria, but still in the cell.

There are 2 substances that are used to produce ATP and they are fat and carbohydrates (glucose). Protein can be used to produce energy, but only if one's diet does not provide enough calories. Protein is not a preferred energy source.

As exercise intensity increases, at some point the aerobic system is unable to produce enough ATP, that's were the anaerobic system steps in. The point at which the body can no longer produce enough oxygen aerobically is called the anaerobic threshold. The anaerobic threshold usually occurs within 50 to 85% of maximum effort. The anaerobic system is very short term. Glucose is the primary source of ATP production in the anaerobic system. Glucose is stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen. Another source of energy production in the anarobic system is creatine phosphate. Creatine phosphate is a molecle that can quickly be broken down to help produce ATP, but the supply is extremely limited.

With aerobic energy production, the end products are water and carbon dioxide. These substances are easy to get rid of with no muscle fatigue. The end products of anaerobic energy production are heat, lactic acid, and hydrogen ions, and it is possible to experience hyperventilation if the body gets to where it cannot produce any more energy anaerobically.