Aerobic metabolism and anaerobic metabolism are two different ways in which the body generates energy. Aerobic metabolism uses oxygen to generate energy and is more efficient but slower while anaerobic metabolism generates energy without using oxygen but is less efficient but faster.
Aerobic metabolism
Aerobic metabolism is the process by which the body generates energy through the breakdown of glucose and stored glycogen in the presence of oxygen. This process takes place in the mitochondria of cells and is known as cellular respiration. During aerobic metabolism, glucose and glycogen are broken down through a series of chemical reactions, ultimately producing carbon dioxide, water, and energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Aerobic metabolism is more efficient than anaerobic metabolism, producing more energy per glucose molecule, but it takes longer to generate energy.
Anaerobic metabolism
Anaerobic metabolism, on the other hand, is the process by which the body generates energy through the breakdown of glucose and stored glycogen in the absence of oxygen. It occurs primarily in muscle cells and is used during high-intensity, short-duration activities such as weightlifting, sprinting, or other activities that require a lot of energy in a short amount of time. Anaerobic metabolism is less efficient than aerobic metabolism, producing less energy per glucose molecule, but it generates energy faster. During anaerobic metabolism, glucose is broken down into pyruvate through a process called glycolysis, which then produces lactic acid.