The human body is a compelling and complex structure that although on the outside looks somewhat simple, has a plethora of behind-the-scenes reactions occurring in a constant cycle. The chemical potential energy stored in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) serves as the body’s energy currency, and is an everyday necessity for basic bodily function (Bergman, 1999). There are several distinct differences between the two types of respiration; aerobic respiration occurs in the presence of oxygen and generates a high yield of ATP, whereas anaerobic respiration occurs in the absence of oxygen and generates a small yield of ATP (Tran & Unden, 1998). The time in which ATP is produced is one of the distinguishing characteristics between the two because it determines the rate at which muscles receive oxygen from the blood, therefore determining the level of endurance of an individual (Weil, 2009). Anaerobic respiration produces a small amount of ATP but in a faster period of time, therefore is used in intense, strenuous activities such as weight lifting or sprinting that require short bouts of energy (Science Daily, 2013), because the process allows oxygen to reach the demand from the muscles in a faster time frame. Aerobic respiration produces a significantly higher yield of ATP in a longer period of time, but can continuously supply oxygen-demanding muscles, and therefore individuals can endure physical activity for longer (Weil, 2009).