Year 10 - Physical education
Aerobic and anaerobic exercise
Anatomy and physiology: anaerobic and aerobic exercise
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit will explore the impact of varying the intensity and durations of exercise upon the build up of lactic acid and recovery rates. Exercises will be classified as either aerobic (with sufficient oxygen) or anaerobic (without sufficient oxygen).
Lesson Summary
You will learn to apply knowledge of aerobic and anaerobic exercise to various sporting examples.
Key Notes
- Aerobic exercise is exercise that uses oxygen for energy over extended periods, like running or cycling.
- Anaerobic exercise is high-intensity exercise that doesn't rely on oxygen, such as sprinting or weightlifting.
- Fats are a fuel source for low intensity aerobic activity.
- Carbohydrates are a fuel source for higher intensity aerobic and anaerobic activity.
Vocabulary To Learn
- aerobic work: working at a moderate intensity so that the body has time to utilise oxygen for energy production, allowing the body to work for a continuous period, e.g. long-distance events, or duration of a match
- anaerobic work: working at a high intensity without oxygen for energy production, therefore limited energy so work period will be short, e.g. sprinting up the wing in a football match
- lactic acid: a by-product of energy production-formed when the body is exercising anaerobically at high intensity
- lactate accumulation: when lactate levels in the blood/muscle rise due to increased work intensity, e.g. moving from aerobic to anaerobic exercise
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils are unsure about situations when the body works aerobically and when it works anaerobically.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
Aerobic exercise is exercise that uses oxygen for energy over extended periods, like running or cycling. Anaerobic exercise is high-intensity exercise that doesn't rely on oxygen, such as sprinting or weightlifting.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'aerobic work'
working at a moderate intensity so that the body has time to utilise oxygen for energy production, allowing the body to work for a continuous period, e.g. long-distance events, or duration of a match.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: Pupils are unsure about situations when the body works aerobically and when it works anaerobically. Correction: Aerobic exercise requires oxygen from the air we breathe to totally break down glucose to release energy for exercise. This is the most efficient mechanism but requires exercise to be at a low/ moderate intensity, whereas high intensity is anaerobic.
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