Question

AEROBIC VS. ANAEROBIC IN Would you recommend exercising in aerobic or anaerobic conditions for a rapid but sustained weight loss? Explain your rationale using explanations in terms of the electron transport system (ETS), Krebs cycles, and other metabolic pathways. Use scientific language.

Answer 1

Aerobic exercise includes any activity that uses large muscle groups, can be maintained continuously and is rhythmic in nature.  As the name suggets , muscle groups activated by this type of exercise rely on aerobic metabolism (Krebs cylce with ETS/oxidative phosphorylation ) to extract energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) . Examples of aerobic exercise includes brisk walk, cycling, jogging, swimming and walking etc.. These activities can best be accessed via the aerobic capacity, the capacity of the cardiorespiratory system to supply oxygen and the capacity of the skeletal muscles to utilize oxygen. The criterion measure for aerobic capacity is the peak oxygen consumption (VO₂ ).  Increased myoglobin and mitochondria in muscle tissue triggered by aerobic workouts promotes greater aerobic ability. Aerobic workouts trigger numerous changes that all help the body burn more fat.
Anaerobic exercises are intense physical activity of very short duration, fueled by the energy sources within the contracting muscles and independent of the use of inhaled oxygen as an energy source. Without the use of oxygen, cells revert to the formation of ATP via glycolysis and fermentation. This process produces significantly less ATP than its aerobic counterpart and leads to the build-up of lactic acid. Exercises typically thought of as anaerobic include sprinting, high-intensity interval training, power-lifting, etc. Sustained anaerobic metabolisms causes increase in lactate and metabolic acidosis . Anaerobic activity is short-lived compared to aerobic workouts because the lack of oxygen triggers a production of lactic acid.   Aerobic exercise is light activity you can sustain over long periods of time, such as jogging. During anaerobic exercise, oxygen consumption is not sufficient to supply the energy demands being placed by muscles. Therefore muscles begin to break down sugars, resulting in higher lactic acid production.

Anareobic oxidation : Glycolysis once cycle ==> 2 ATP

Aerobic oxidation : complete oxidation of one Glucose molecules ==> 30 ATP

Aerobic exercise is light activity you can sustain over long periods of time, such as jogging. Anaerobic activity is bursts of activity for short periods of time, such as sprinting.

Thus for sustained and rapid weight loss incorporating both types exercises will be helpful. If Aerobic and anaerobic segments are placed in perfect balance , you will have maximum fat burning benefits.