Energy System Adaptations

• What are the energy system adaptations?

  -Increased anaerobic and aerobic enzymes

  -Increased stores of phosphocreatine (PC)

  -Decreased stores of triglycerides

  -Increased use of Fats

  -High tolerance of lactic acid
• What are increased anaerobic and aerobic enzymes?

  An increase in the number and size of mitochondria is usually accompanied by an increase in the level of aerobic system enzymes. This allows an athlete to sustain prolonged periods of aerobic exercise
• What changes do the anaerobic system also undergo?

  Changes including an increase in intramuscular ATP and the control of glucose breakdown
• What are increased stores of phosphocreatine?

  An adaptation of strength training is an increase in muscle cells ability to store phosphocreatine
• What is the decreased stores of triglycerides?

  Individuals who exercise regularly have lower blood levels of triglycerides
• What is an increased use of fats?

  The use of fats as an energy source occurs during low intensity exercise. Fat oxidation increases if exercise extends to over an hour. Beyond an hour fats account for approx 75 per cent of total energy required
• What is high tolerance of lactic acid?

  As you get fitter oxygen is used to break down lactate to carbon dioxide and water, preventing lactate from pouring into the blood