NCFE Health and Fitness V Cert 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Anaerobic exercise refers specifically to high-intensity activities that are performed in short bursts, typically lasting from a few seconds up to about two minutes. This type of exercise relies on energy sources stored in the muscles rather than on oxygen from breathing. During anaerobic activities, such as sprinting, weightlifting, or high-intensity interval training, the body's demand for oxygen exceeds the oxygen supply available.

This leads to the use of stored energy sources, such as ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and creatine phosphate, that provide quick bursts of energy. The focus of anaerobic exercise is on strength, power, and muscle building, which is distinct from endurance-focused (aerobic) exercise that is performed at lower intensities for longer periods, requiring a continuous supply of oxygen.

The other answer choices do not accurately describe anaerobic exercise. Low-intensity activities over long durations characterize aerobic exercise, while exercises that require oxygen for energy fall under aerobic categories. Finally, activities focused solely on flexibility typically involve stretching and do not fit into the anaerobic exercise category, as they do not primarily involve high-intensity efforts.