Energy: How do we use it?

Energy is is measured in kilojoules (or calories), this measurement relates to the amount of energy needed to perform a task, from a single heart beat to a 100kg deadlift, these all require energy. Food is also more commonly being subcategorised by their kilojoule (or calorie) content, relating to how much energy the food will produce.

There are 3 different systems our body uses to produce ATP (energy) for our day to

day activities we are not able to store much energy so we produce energy as its needed via ATP-PCr (uses creatine phosphate), anaerobic glycolytic (uses glucose or carbs) and the aerobic oxidative (uses fats, carbs and protein). All three are continuously working but the system that is primarily used depends on what activities you are doing and for how long.

During 'all out' high intensity activity the ATP-PCr system is primarily use during the first 10-30 seconds (essential for power lifting, 100m sprints etc.) Once this system is exhausted it can take up to 15 minutes for your body to replenish itself. Creatine Phosphate is consumed from red meats plus your liver has the capability to form this component (if you are vegetarians and vegan). After 10-30 seconds the Anaerobic Glycolytic system activates as your primary energy system till about 2 minutes or high intensity activity (essential for bodybuilding styled training, 400m sprints etc). The byproduct of this system is Hydrogen (acidic compound) which causes fatigue and that burning sensation when exercising. This is buffered out of our muscles with in a few hours of stopping exercise. Carbohydrates are the only Macronutrient that is processed in this system. After 2 minutes the Aerobic Oxidative System is primarily activated. This system is essential to any long distance activity (running, walking, muscular endurance). This system is restricted purely by how much food you have available to produce energy.

Nutrition is so essential to physical activity, fad diets that are not personalised to your own specific physical needs can mean you're not eating the right foods for your own goals therfore your performance will be negatively effected.

#Energy #Nutrition #Energysystems #ATP #Calories