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Anaerobic activities, such as sprinting, weightlifting, and high-intensity interval training, primarily rely on energy sources that do not require oxygen, leading to significant exertion. After engaging in these types of activities, it is common for an individual's heart rate to remain elevated for a longer duration compared to lower-intensity aerobic exercises. This is primarily due to the higher intensity of anaerobic exercises, which can result in a more substantial accumulation of metabolic byproducts and greater cardiovascular demand.

As the body works to clear these byproducts and restore homeostasis, the elevated heart rate may persist as part of the recovery process. Consequently, while anaerobic exercises can also contribute positively to fitness improvements over time, they can indeed lead to a longer recovery heart rate after the cessation of activity compared to aerobic exercises. This sustained elevation in heart rate during recovery reflects the body's effort to recover from the physiological stress imposed by high-intensity exertion.