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What Is Anaerobic Metabolism?

April 28th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed

Metabolism refers to the way in which the human body produces and uses energy. Anaerobic metabolism refers to the physiological and chemical process through which the body makes and burns energy without using oxygen.

The body’s muscles, especially, need energy, or glucose, in order to function, during light, moderate and strenuous physical activity. Most of the time, this energy is produced through aerobic metabolism, which involves the use of oxygen.

Nevertheless, very sudden or strenuous physical activity sets into motion anaerobic metabolism in order to keep up with the sudden demand for energy by the muscles.

Anaerobic metabolism most often comes into play during sprints, long marathons, and during the lifting of very heavy weights. The point at which aerobic metabolism changes into its anaerobic variant varies from one individual to another, depending on whether the person is a professional athlete, or simply a participant in recreational sports.

Does Anaerobic Metabolism Contribute To Weight Loss?

Although a high metabolism, in general, will contribute to weight loss, the problem with anaerobic metabolism is that it produces lactic acids in the body, which leads to rapid breathing, as well as muscle fatigue. Thus, thus you may end up unable to talk as you gasp for air.

As such, exercise that leads to anaerobic metabolism should be limited and it should not be the primary component of any fitness routine. Although strenuous and sudden bursts of physical activity can help strengthen muscles and improve stamina, it should be used in combination with more moderate forms of exercise, such as cross country skiing, aerobics, brisk walking and dancing.

What Are The Precautions To Take With Anaerobic Metabolism?

After completing any strenuous physical activity, such as running or sprinting, it is very important to allocate enough time for the body to cool down. The reason for this is that the lactic acids that build up in the muscles during anaerobic metabolism should be eliminated and the best way to accomplish this is to shift gears to an activity, which will lead to aerobic metabolism. Consequently, after running a marathon or sprinting, it is best to spend a few minutes walking, rather than sitting down or standing still.

People with a history of heart problems, as well as the elderly, should generally avoid strenuous physical activity that leads to anaerobic metabolism and should focus, instead, on a lower intensity fitness routine, such as regular walking, recreational swimming, aerobics, bicycling, gardening, and cross country skiing.