AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC METABOLISM

Definition of Metabolism.

Metabolism refers to the processes your body uses to break down nutrients, form compounds the cells can use for energy and use those compounds to fuel cellular functions. Your body secretes enzymes to break down food into sugars, proteins, and fats. Then each cell of your body can take these in and use them in aerobic or anaerobic metabolic processes to form adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which is the fuel used in the cell. The calories from food are burned in this way to produce energy in each cell. Your body's overall metabolism includes muscle contraction, breathing, blood circulation, maintaining body temperature, digesting food, eliminating wastes, and the functions of the brain and nervous system. The rate at which you burn calories is called your metabolic rate.

During exercise, you not only increase metabolism in your muscles but also in your respiratory and circulatory systems. You need a faster rate of breathing and heart rate to deliver oxygen and nutrients to your muscles. Your body also must work harder to prevent overheating, such as through sweating.

Anaerobic Metabolism.

 Is the creation of energy through the combustion of carbohydrates in the absence of oxygen. This occurs when your lungs cannot put enough oxygen into the bloodstream to keep up with the demands of your muscles for energy. It generally is used only for short bursts of activity, such as when you go for a sprint when running or cycling or when you are lifting heavy weights.

When there isn't enough oxygen in the bloodstream, glucose and lycogen can not be fully broken down to carbon dioxide and water. Instead, lactic acid is produced, which can build up in the muscles and degrade muscle function.

Aerobic Metabolism

 Is the way your body creates energy through the combustion of carbohydrates, amino acids, and fats in the presence of oxygen. Combustion means burning, which is why this is called burning sugars, fats, and proteins for energy. Aerobic metabolism is used for the sustained production of energy for exercise and other body functions. Examples of exercises that use aerobic metabolism include walking, running, or cycling with sustained effort.

Your body will often switch between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism during sports and exercise activities that require short bursts of sprints as well as sustained jogging, such as in soccer, tennis, and basketball.

Anaerobic Metabolism vs. Aerobic Metabolism

Anaerobic metabolism is not as efficient as aerobic metabolism. A molecule of glucose can only produce three ATP molecules under anaerobic metabolism, while it produces 39 with aerobic metabolism. ATP is what fuels the muscles.

Anaerobic metabolism can only use glucose and glycogen, while aerobic metabolism can also break down fats and protein. Intense bouts of exercise in the anaerobic zone and in the red-line zone with a heart rate over 85 percent of your maximum heart rate will result in using anaerobic metabolism to fuel the muscles.

While your body will naturally use the energy pathways that will best get the job done, you have a choice in how strenuously you exercise. Training programs for different sports and activities are designed to make the best use of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism.