Energy Systems In Sport

Cellular Respiration

What is cellular respiration? Cellular Respiration is the process that takes place in cells to convert food into energy. This process is also known as internal respiration. In order to release the maximal amount of energy, the molecules of Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen that make up our food are stored as a high-energy molecule known as ATP.

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Oxygen Debt & Recovery

What is oxygen debt? When you have a short intense burst of exercise such as sprinting you generate energy for this anaerobically or without oxygen. When you stop exercising you are still breathing heavily. This is your body taking in extra oxygen to ‘repay’ the debt. Well, that is the simple solution but there is more to it.

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Effects of Exercise

Exercise affects the circulatory system, respiratory system, and muscles. Short-term effects occur immediately as we begin to exercise. Long-term effects are more concerned with adaptive changes over time with regular exercise. When we begin to exercise the body has to respond to the change in activity level.

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Human Body’s Response to Exercise

When you begin to exercise your body must immediately adjust to the change in activity level. Energy production must increase to meet demand with changes to the predominant energy system and fuel source occurring throughout the exercise in order to maintain the required level of performance.

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Aerobic System & Krebs Cycle

Aerobic metabolism means ‘with oxygen’ and occurs when energy is produced in the body from chemical reactions that use oxygen. The aerobic system produces the largest amounts of energy, although at the lowest intensity such as in long-distance running. This energy production can be sustained for long periods of time as long as breathing can supply the lungs with oxygen.

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Anaerobic Respiration & Lactic Acid

Anaerobic respiration is when the body produces energy for exercise without oxygen. There are two types of anaerobic respiration that you need to know about. The immediate ATP-PC system and the Lactic Acid system. Here we explain how they work and which types of sport and exercise they are more predominantly used.

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Human Digestive System

The main function of the digestive system is to break down food so that it can be used by the body for energy, cell growth, and repair. Here we explain the organs and processes that enable our bodies to convert food into sports performance. The primary function of the digestive system is to break down food so it can be used for energy, growth, and repair.

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