Energy Systems

Energy Systems Assignment

By Thysje
Fartlek Training

Before we started the fartlek training, our bodies were using the aerobic system and bi-products of this system are carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). Our heart rate (HR) was low, 60-70 beats a minute, and our breathing rate (BR) was slow and deep, 1 breathe about every 6 seconds. The demand for fuel was low because we didn't need to supply the muscles in our body quickly.
Once we started walking, the demand for fuel increased but only slightly. Our bodies started using the phosphate system, (anaerobic energy system), but since we were only walking it lasted most of the walk. Our breathing rate, heart rate, blood pressure (BP), cardio output (CO) and stroke volume all increased but only a relatively small amount compared to maximal effort.

At the start of the sit + stand, ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is used with creatine phosphate resynthesising ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and Phosphate back together again.On the first sit and stand, the demand for fuel increased to supply the bodies muscles with oxygen and fuel (hamstrings, quadriceps, solius, etc.). Breathing rate became faster and shallower to help supply the muscles with O2. HR, CO, BP and SV all increase to supply the muscles with O2 and fuel. By about the third sit and stand, the ATP has worn off and lactic acid has built up in legs (hamstrings, quadriceps, solius, sartorius, gastrocnemious). But it does not reach toxic levels. Expelling carbon dioxide at a rapid rate.

The demand for fuel goes down slightly for the jog since in a continuous motion instead of sitting down and standing up. Lactic acid is diluting while jogging. The lactic acid system is cable of releasing energy to resynthesise ATP without the involvement of oxygen which is called anaerobic glycolysis. Glycolysis results in the formation of pyruvic acid and hydrogen ions. The pyruvic acid molecules undergo oxidation in the mitochondrion and the Krebs cycle begins. HR, BR CO, BP and SV all slow down and become steady but not near the normal rate.

In the jog, the demand for fuel increased to high level to supply the muscles with O2 and fuel. Although the body was unable to supply the muscles quick enough resulting in a small amount of lactic acid. Since it was only a short distance there wasn't a high build up of lactic acid. HR, BR, CO, BP and SV all increase to a maximal level. By now in the fartlek training the body is overcoming the 'bump' of the lactic acid system. Expelling carbon dioxide at a rapid rate and breathing rate was very quick and shallow.

During the 2nd walk, lactic acid was being diluted (Krebs cycle). Breathing rate was still shallow and quick, trying to expel CO2. Throughout the walk, HR, BR, CO, BP and SV all level out to a normal level. By now the body has become oxygenated and now using the aerobic system.

During the second jog, the body is becoming further oxygenated. There is only a slight increase of the heart rate, breathing rate, cardio out, bloop pressure and strove volume. Demand for fuel increases slightly but not much because the body is oxygenated.

Demand for fuel increases drastically because we are using our muscles in our arms instead of legs. Lactic acid accumulates to toxic levels, gluteals, pectorals, deltoids, trapezius, obliques, recuts abdominus, biceps, triceps etc. Heart rate, breathing rate, cardio output, blood pressure and stroke volume all increase to maximal level because of the new exercise. The lactic acid system was used during the pushups and the body feels heavy quickly because the muscles used for the pushups weren't warmed up. Muscle contraction helps the blood get back to the heart so the muscles in the arms, chest and back don't feel so heavy.