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. 2020 May 22;114(5):943–987. [Article in Portuguese] doi: 10.36660/abc.20200407

Table 2. – Classifications of physical exercise.

Classification Features
By predominant metabolic pathway Alactic anaerobic High intensity, very short duration
Lactic anaerobic High intensity, short duration
Aerobic Low or medium intensity, prolonged duration
By pace Fixed, constant, or continuous No change of pace over time
Variable, intermittent, or interval Pace changes over time
By relative intensity* Low or light Easy to breathe, barely short of breath (Borg < 4)
Medium or moderate Breathing faster and labored, but still controlled. Can speak a sentence (Borg 4–7)
High or heavy Breathing very rapid and labored; short or out of breath. Barely able to speak (Borg > 7)
By muscle mechanics Static There is no movement; mechanical work is zero
Dynamic Involves movement; mechanical work is positive or negative

*A Borg scale of 0 to 10 was considered.