Fitness & Function

Episode 5 - The Value of Aerobic Training


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When we think about the way that exercise trains energy systems, we classify strength training as a form of anaerobic training, that is, utilising an energy system that does not require oxygen. The anaerobic pathway uses glucose to convert to energy. This process produces molecules that the cells within our body use as what I like to call ‘fast energy’, and is fundamental to all eukaryotic cells. Those molecules are ATP - that’s adenosine triphosphate, the power source of all biological energy - pyruvate and NADH - that’s nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide plus hydrogen. I won’t get too caught up in the molecular processes, it’s all a bit of a mouthful, but if you’d like to know more about this process, cellular respiration, the Krebs or citric acid cycle, and more, I’ll include some links in the show notes. For now, just remember that glycolysis - the AN-aerobic part of our energy system - works without oxygen. The oxidative, or aerobic, energy system - or, as I like to call it, the ‘slow energy’ system - uses oxygen to help us metabolise carbohydrates and fats for energy. This is useful for lower energy demands over longer periods of time. Think about weightlifting versus marathon running. Weightlifting requires enormous amounts of ATP to execute the movement of large loads in very short time scales. Marathon running requires ATP but in (relatively) lower amounts, over a much longer period. Weightlifting is anaerobic, distance running is aerobic. Everything needs ATP, but it’s all a question of time…

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Ludyga, S., et al. Acute effects of moderate aerobic exercise on specific aspects of executive function in different age and fitness groups: A meta-analysis. Psychophysiology. (24 August 2016). https://doi.org/10.1111/psyp.12736

Alabduladhem, T.O., Bordoni, B. Physiology, Krebs Cycle. National Library of Medicine. (Updated 23/11/2023.) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556032/

Smeitink, J., van den Heuvel, L. & DiMauro, S. The genetics and pathology of oxidative phosphorylation. Nat Rev Genet 2, 342–352 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/35072063

Hood, D.A. Mechanisms of exercise-induced mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism. (12 May 2009). https://doi.org/10.1139/H09-045

Poole, D.C., et al. The anaerobic threshold: 50+ years of controversy. The Journal of Physiology. Vol. 599, Issue 3. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1113/JP279963



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Fitness & FunctionBy Matt Cooper