NETA Personal Trainer Practice Exam

What is the typical duration for Anaerobic Glycolysis activities?

1. 1-2 minutes

2. Up to 2-3 minutes

3. 3-5 minutes

4. 10 seconds

The correct answer is: Up to 2-3 minutes

The typical duration for anaerobic glycolysis activities is indeed up to 2-3 minutes. Anaerobic glycolysis is a metabolic pathway that provides energy for high-intensity exercise lasting from approximately 30 seconds to around 2-3 minutes, making it the most relevant source of energy for activities that require quick bursts of effort, such as sprinting or heavy weightlifting. During this timeframe, the body primarily relies on glucose for energy, which is broken down into pyruvate through a process that does not require oxygen, thus allowing for sustained performance in anaerobic activities. After this duration, the fatigue from the accumulation of lactate and depletion of available glucose often necessitates a switch to aerobic metabolism for longer-duration activities. The other durations listed do not align with the primary energy system utilized during anaerobic glycolysis, as they either fall short of or exceed its metabolic capacity. For example, 10 seconds is characteristic of the ATP-PC (phosphagen) system, while durations of 3-5 minutes and beyond typically engage predominantly aerobic energy metabolism, where oxygen is utilized for longer, sustained activities.