Anaerobic Threshold

Anaerobic Threshold

The anaerobic threshold is the intensity of exercise at which the body can no longer meet the energy demands of the working muscle by combining fuel (carbohydrates and fats) with oxygen. Exercise above this level of intensity cannot be sustained for more than a few minutes before muscle fatigue causes an individual to slow down or stop exercising. Exercise at, or below, the anaerobic threshold can be sustained for long periods of time and is sometimes referred to as steady-state, or aerobic, exercise. Proper training can shift the anaerobic threshold to a higher level of exercise intensity and improve athletic endurance and performance. Exercising at a higher intensity allows an individual to burn more total calories in the the same amount of time. Proper training will also alter the body's usage of fuel, resulting in the metabolism (burning) of more fat and less carbohydrate.