Aerobic Capacity vs. Aerobic Power: Understanding the Difference and How to Train Each Effectively

In the world of fitness, endurance sports, and hybrid competitions like functional fitness races, two terms often get thrown around when we talk about "cardio": aerobic capacity and aerobic power.

While they’re both part of the aerobic energy system, they’re not the same thing—and understanding the distinction is crucial for athletes and coaches who want to train smarter, not just harder.

This article will break down what the aerobic system is, define the differences between capacity and power, and provide sample workouts and time domains to help you program and train more effectively.