The aerobic threshold (AeT) is a term sometimes used by sports coaches and trainers to describe a level of exercise somewhat below the anaerobic threshold. It, however, is not a defined physiological term.

The AeT is sometimes defined as the exercise intensity at which anaerobic energy pathways start to operate and where blood lactate reaches a concentration of 2 mmol/litre (at rest it is around 1). This tends to be at a heart rate of approximately 20-40 bpm less than the anaerobic threshold and correlates with about 65% of the maximum heart rate. The anaerobic energy system does not utilize oxygen to create Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)and uses glycogen/glucose. Lactic acid is the by-product of creating ATP for working muscles.

See also

• Anaerobic exercise

• VO2max

de:aerobe Schwelle