What is a major characteristic of aerobic activities?

Aerobic activities are defined by their reliance on oxygen to produce the energy needed for sustained physical activity over an extended period. This characteristic is central to aerobic exercise, as it typically involves activities like running, cycling, swimming, or dancing, which require sustained effort and can be performed for extended durations. During these activities, the body uses oxygen to convert carbohydrates and fats into energy, enabling endurance and cardiovascular fitness.

This distinction also sets aerobic exercise apart from anaerobic activities, which do not primarily depend on oxygen and tend to be shorter in duration and higher in intensity. Understanding this fundamental aspect is crucial to distinguishing various exercise types and their effects on fitness.