Anaerobic Threshold

Definition

The anaerobic threshold is the point during exercise when your body starts to accumulate lactic acid in the muscles, causing fatigue.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Anaerobic threshold, often referred to as the lactate threshold, is the intensity of exercise at which lactate (lactic acid) starts to accumulate in the bloodstream. At this threshold, the body's ability to remove lactate from the blood cannot keep up with the rate of lactate production, causing a rise in blood lactate levels. This shift corresponds to an increasing reliance on anaerobic energy pathways.

Benefits

• Helps determine exercise intensity for training and performance.
• Improves endurance and athletic performance with proper training.
• Assists in tailoring fitness programs to individual capabilities.

Examples

• Intense interval training to improve sports performance.
• Cycling or running at a pace that challenges but does not overwhelm you.

Additional Information

• Importance: Understanding and improving your anaerobic threshold can enhance endurance and performance in high-intensity sports. It allows athletes to sustain higher levels of exertion before reaching fatigue.

Related Terms

• Lactate Threshold
• Aerobic Capacity
• VO2 Max
• Endurance Training

References

• Understanding the Anaerobic Threshold: Physiological Basis and Practical Applications
• Exercise Physiology - Lactate and the Anaerobic Threshold