CSSD Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Resource

During moderate intensity exercise, such as running a 10k, aerobic metabolism is the primary contributor to energy production. This process utilizes oxygen to convert carbohydrates, fats, and, to a lesser extent, proteins into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy currency of the body. Aerobic metabolism is efficient and can sustain energy production over longer durations, making it ideal for endurance activities like a 10k run.

While anaerobic metabolism does play a role in shorter bursts of higher-intensity exercise, it is less effective for prolonged activities and primarily contributes to energy when oxygen availability is limited. Creatine phosphate serves as a rapid source of energy for very short, explosive movements but depletes quickly and is not sufficient for moderate intensity over longer durations. Fatty acid oxidation is a component of aerobic metabolism, focusing more on fat as a fuel source, but it still relies on aerobic pathways to be effective. Therefore, the focus on aerobic metabolism highlights its crucial role in sustained energy production during moderate intensity exercises.