What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic exercise?

Aerobic exercise requires oxygen to produce energy and involves sustained, moderate-intensity activities like running, cycling, or swimming. Your body burns carbohydrates and fats over an extended period, making it effective for cardiovascular health and endurance. Anaerobic exercise occurs without relying on oxygen and involves short, high-intensity bursts of activity like weightlifting, sprinting, or high-intensity interval training. Energy is produced quickly through stored glucose, which leads to lactic acid buildup and muscle fatigue relatively fast. Anaerobic exercise is better for building muscle strength and power. In practice, most physical activities involve both systems to varying degrees, but the dominant energy pathway depends on the intensity and duration of the effort.