High-Intensity vs Endurance Activities: Understanding the Differences
Key Characteristics of High-Intensity Activities
High-intensity activities are characterized by:
- Short duration (typically less than 2 minutes)
- Maximum or near-maximum effort
- Predominantly anaerobic energy systems
- High power output
- Rapid onset of fatigue
Examples of high-intensity activities include:
- 100m sprint
- Olympic weightlifting
- Shot put
- High jump
- Power gymnastics movements
Characteristics of Endurance Activities
Endurance activities feature:
- Long duration (typically more than 2 minutes)
- Submaximal effort
- Predominantly aerobic energy systems
- Steady-state power output
- Gradual onset of fatigue
Examples of endurance activities include:
- Marathon running
- Long-distance cycling
- Cross-country skiing
- Swimming (1500m+)
- Rowing events (2000m+)
Energy Systems and Fatigue Patterns
High-Intensity Activities
- Primarily uses ATP-PC and anaerobic glycolysis
- Rapid depletion of energy stores
- Quick accumulation of lactate
- Fatigue occurs due to:
- Phosphocreatine depletion
- H+ ion accumulation
