Ace Your Personal Fitness Trainer Journey 2026 – Pump Up with the WITS Practice Test!

The description that best defines a physical activity that utilizes anaerobic energy is weightlifting of short duration. Anaerobic energy systems are activated during high-intensity activities that last for a short period, typically ranging from a few seconds to about two minutes. This type of energy production occurs without the need for oxygen and primarily relies on stored ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and phosphocreatine within the muscles.

Weightlifting fits this definition as it involves short bursts of effort where the muscles exert maximum strength for a brief duration, leading to the use of anaerobic pathways to generate the necessary energy. This is ideal for building muscle strength and power.

In contrast, long-distance running relies primarily on aerobic metabolism, which utilizes oxygen to generate energy over extended periods of activity. Stretching exercises are typically low-intensity movements that do not require significant energy expenditure and do not primarily engage anaerobic energy systems. Cycling at a steady pace also predominantly engages aerobic pathways, as it typically involves moderate to low-intensity effort sustained over longer durations, where oxygen supply is sufficient to meet energy demands.