Energy System Usage
Terms
ATP (Adenosine triphosphate): An energy carrying substance present in all living cells that supports many processes in living cells, for such as muscle contraction.
ADP +Pi: it's most important role it to combine with a phosphate molecule to make ATP.
The human body needs energy to function and to fuel physical activity. That energy comes from the food we consume: carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose and converted into energy (ATP) for immediate use, stored for later later use in the form of glycogen, or converted to body fat. Both protein and fat can be broken down and used to create energy (ATP), but in more complex metabolic pathway. The majority of energy (ATP) is metabolized from the food we eat, however the body does store a minimal amount.
Food is made up of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins and breaks down to its simplest form glucose, fatty acids and amino acids during digestion. Once broken down, they will either be used or stored. Before the food we eat can be utilized to produce work for exercise, it needs to be transformed into the primary energy source of the body, ATP. And that ATP is created from ADP and free phosphate molecules (ADP + Pi).
There are 3 primary energy systems. Each system is constantly being used, however each plays a different role depending on the availability of energy and the specific demands placed on them.
ATP-PC (adenosine triphosphate-phosphocreatine)
This anaerobic pathway (no oxygen) is used regardless of intensity of exercise. It's the primary energy system used for all-out exercise. Fatigue happens very quickly with this system. Replenishes after about 2 minutes of rest. If exerted, other energy systems will be called upon.
The human body can only store approximately 80 to 100 grams of ATP, which is only enough energy for a few seconds of high-intensity activity.
Glycolysis
The glycolytic system provides energy for medium to high intensity bursts of activity through the process of breaking down glucose (simple sugar) through a series of enzymatic reactions. For every glucose used, two ATP's are generated. Provides a rapid supply of ATP up to 2 minutes.
Oxidative
This system is the most utilized of the three and provides energy for sustained low-intensity workouts and takes longer to overload. Aerobic (oxygen) activities are fueled by a combination of fat and carbohydrates. More carbs are used than at as intensity increases.
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