Aerobic exercise involves continuous activity that builds endurance, such as cycling, walking and long-distance running. Anaerobic exercise consists of short bursts of intense activity, with a period of rest in between. Think weight training, high-intensity interval training or sprinting.

The short answer: Aerobic exercises are endurance exercises that increase heart and breathing rates over a period of time (for example, going for a 30-minute jog). Anaerobic exercises involve shorter bursts of intense activity (think: sprints).

Aerobic exercise is any cardiovascular conditioning or “cardio.” During cardiovascular conditioning, your breathing and heart rate increase for a sustained period of time. Examples of aerobic exercise include swimming laps, running, or cycling. Anaerobic exercises involve quick bursts of energy and are performed at maximum effort for a short time.

Aerobic means ‘with air’ and refers to the body producing energy with the use of oxygen. This typically involves any exercise that lasts longer than two minutes in duration. Continuous ‘steady state’ exercise is performed aerobically. Anaerobic means ‘without air’ and refers to the body producing energy without oxygen.