HMS, TIP EQ-Bank 241

A 20-year-old athlete wants to train within their aerobic training zone to improve cardiovascular fitness. They calculate their maximum heart rate as 200 beats per minute and know that the aerobic threshold is approximately 70% of maximum heart rate.

Describe the characteristics of training at the aerobic threshold and what happens when the athlete exercises above this intensity level. (3 marks)

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Training at aerobic threshold involves exercising at approximately 140 beats per minute for sustained periods.
Aerobic threshold represents the minimum intensity required to achieve cardiovascular training adaptations and improvements.
Athletes can maintain steady-state exercise at this level using primarily aerobic energy systems for fuel.
Exercising above aerobic threshold but below anaerobic threshold places athletes in the aerobic training zone.
Training above anaerobic threshold results in rapid lactate accumulation and inability to sustain exercise intensity.

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Training at aerobic threshold involves exercising at approximately 140 beats per minute for sustained periods.
Aerobic threshold represents the minimum intensity required to achieve cardiovascular training adaptations and improvements.
Athletes can maintain steady-state exercise at this level using primarily aerobic energy systems for fuel.
Exercising above aerobic threshold but below anaerobic threshold places athletes in the aerobic training zone.
Training above anaerobic threshold results in rapid lactate accumulation and inability to sustain exercise intensity.