In terms of energy production, what is primarily utilized in aerobic exercise?

During aerobic exercise, the body primarily relies on fats and carbohydrates for energy production. This process occurs in the presence of oxygen, which allows for the complete oxidation of these fuels. Carbohydrates, stored as glycogen in muscles and the liver, are readily available for quick energy, while fats serve as a significant energy source during prolonged, moderate-intensity activities.

Aerobic metabolism involves a series of biochemical reactions that convert these macronutrients into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the main energy carrier in cells. Fats and carbohydrates provide a sustainable energy source as they yield a higher amount of ATP per molecule compared to proteins, which are not the primary source of energy during aerobic activities. Integrating oxygen into the metabolic processes enhances the efficiency of energy production, enabling longer-duration exercise.

While ATP is critical for energy transfer within the body, it is not the primary source utilized during the exercise itself; rather, it is the end product of the breakdown of fats and carbohydrates that fuels muscle contractions. Proteins, while involved in muscle repair and other cellular functions, typically serve as a last-resort energy source and are not predominantly used in aerobic exercise. Creatine phosphate, on the other hand, plays a more significant role in short bursts