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Year 10 - Physical education

Practical examples of aerobic and anaerobic exercise

Anatomy and physiology: anaerobic and aerobic exercise

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.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • aerobic exercise: exercise that involves prolonged physical activity using oxygen to produce energy, typically performed at moderate intensity e.g. long distance running
  • anaerobic exercise: exercise that involves short bursts of high intensity activity where the body's demand for oxygen exceeds the supply available e.g. sprinting up a hill
  • lactic acid: a by-product of anaerobic respiration that accumulates in muscles during intense exercise, contributing to muscle fatigue and soreness

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 exercise'

exercise that involves prolonged physical activity using oxygen to produce energy, typically performed at moderate intensity e.g. long distance running.

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.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 Physical education guide library.