What kind of exercise is characterized by short bursts of high intensity without the use of oxygen?

Anaerobic exercise is defined by short, intense bursts of physical activity that do not rely on oxygen for energy production. This type of exercise predominantly utilizes stored energy in the muscles and typically lasts from a few seconds to around two minutes. Activities like sprinting, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and weightlifting exemplify anaerobic exercise, where the body demands immediate energy that surpasses the oxygen supply.

In contrast, aerobic exercise is sustained at a lower intensity and uses oxygen to help generate energy over longer periods, such as jogging or cycling. Resistance training focuses on using weights or resistance to build muscle strength, while flexibility training aims to improve the range of motion in joints and muscles. Each of these activities serves different fitness goals and relies on different physiological mechanisms, reinforcing the idea that anaerobic exercise specifically emphasizes short-duration, high-intensity efforts without dependence on oxygen.