Aerobic and Anaerobic metabolism

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.

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.

In the aerobic metabolic process, the human body uses a molecule of glucose to produce 36 adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules. ATP is what fuels your muscles. Anaerobic metabolism, which is used for vigorous muscle contraction, only produces two ATP molecules per glucose molecule, so it is much less efficient.


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.

Difference between Aerobic and Anaerobic 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.

• Anaerobic metabolism can only use glucose and glycogen, while aerobic metabolism can also break down fats and protein.