Anaerobic Power Reserve

By Joel Jamieson

The power-endurance continuum shows us that there is a trade-off between power and the sustain it.

This trade-off is best explained by the anaerobic power reserve: the difference in power generated anaerobically versus aerobically.  The greater the proportion of energy that your body produces anaerobically, the faster you fatigue.

Weightlifters and power lifters have much greater anaerobic than aerobic energy contribution, so they are able to sustain a high level of power over a short period of time.

Conversely, endurance athletes have greater aerobic than anaerobic energy contribution, so they can sustain a relatively lower level of power over a longer time period.

What about individuals with the same maximum power output?

Comparing two athletes with the same power output shows us that the one with a greater proportion of energy produced anaerobically will gas quicker.

What this tells us is that your proportion of energy produced aerobically versus anaerobically dictates your maximum sustainable power output and ultimately what sort of training you need.