What type of exercise relies heavily on fatty acid oxidation?

The answer is aerobic endurance exercises because they primarily utilize fatty acid oxidation as a source of energy. During these types of prolonged exercises, such as running, cycling, or swimming at a moderate pace, the body primarily relies on aerobic metabolism. This metabolic pathway effectively uses oxygen to convert fat stored in the body into energy, allowing individuals to sustain activity over longer periods.

As exercise intensity increases, the body shifts its energy substrate preference. High-intensity interval training, explosive strength training, and plyometric workouts tend to rely more heavily on carbohydrates as they involve shorter bursts of intense effort where the demand for energy exceeds the oxygen supply available for fat oxidation. Hence, these forms of exercise typically do not utilize fatty acids for energy as efficiently as aerobic endurance activities do.