Final answer:
Anaerobic exercise uses fast-twitch muscle fibers and requires a small amount of oxygen, while aerobic exercise relies on the aerobic energy-generating process and requires free oxygen. Interval training is a form of exercise that combines both aerobic and anaerobic components.
Step-by-step explanation:
Anaerobic exercise refers to physical activity that uses muscles at close to their maximum contraction strength but for short periods of time. It involves a relatively high percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibers that consume a small amount of oxygen. Anaerobic exercises include activities like push-ups, lunges, sprinting, interval training, resistance training, and weight training.
Aerobic exercise, on the other hand, is a form of exercise performed at a moderate level of intensity over a relatively long period of time. It depends primarily on the aerobic energy-generating process, which requires free oxygen. Examples of aerobic exercise include running long distances at a moderate pace, swimming, cycling, and walking.
Combining aerobic and anaerobic exercise is beneficial for overall fitness and performance. Interval training is one way to combine these two types of exercise. It involves alternating between periods of high-intensity anaerobic exercise and periods of lower-intensity aerobic exercise. This type of training helps improve both cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength.