Anaerobic exercises are high-intensity workouts completed over shorter durations, while aerobic exercises include variable-intensity workouts completed over longer durations. [2]

Anaerobic exercise is any physical activity intense enough that your muscles outpace their oxygen supply and switch to burning stored fuel without oxygen. In practical terms, this means short, high-effort bursts lasting anywhere from a few seconds to roughly 2 or 3 minutes.

Anaerobic exercise uses glucose for energy, instead of oxygen. Aerobic (cardio) and anaerobic exercises both improve health, but only anaerobic exercises build muscle mass and strength.

We explain the difference between the two as well as the benefits and risks of each. We also provide examples of aerobic and anaerobic exercises.

Aerobic means “with oxygen,” and anaerobic means “without oxygen.” Both are important for your overall health because they challenge your body in different ways.

Anaerobic bacteria are bacteria that live without oxygen. They're responsible for several nasty conditions, including tetanus, gangrene, botulism, and food poisoning.

The main difference between aerobic and anaerobic is the amount of oxygen your body demands for the workout. Learn more about aerobic and anaerobic exercise compares.

Anaerobic exercise is any physical activity intense enough that your body produces energy without relying on oxygen. The word “anaerobic” literally means “without oxygen,” and it describes what’s happening inside your muscles during short, high-intensity efforts like sprinting, heavy lifting, or explosive jumps. These bursts typically last anywhere from a few seconds to about three ...

But when the demand for ATP outpaces oxygen delivery, your body shifts toward anaerobic metabolism. This is when muscles produce lactic acid, leading to fatigue and soreness.