Fitness and Adenosine Triphosphate - The Body's Energy System
For the most part the majority of individuals that decide to take the plunge into a healthier lifestyle do so to improve their appearance. For example muscle tone and or shape defining. Other reasons could include strength as well as endurance. These ultimate goals are established by hard work and persistence. If it wasn’t for the energy production and use system or more commonly known as the ATP. This is a complex molecule that is actually know as the Adenosine Triphosphate.
The basics of ATP is actually simple to understand. The carbs that you take into your body are broken down, changing them into sugars. From the sugars the ATP is made. Some sugars break down easier than others, among these are the simple sugars and in many cases they also break down faster. On the opposite side complex carbs take longer to break down, which in turn will fuel the body for a longer period of time. The energy that is produced is used to also repair some of the cells in the body that might be damaged, give the muscles the “food” to work, as well as giving the other systems within the body the proper fueling to function as they are supposed to.
The ATP that is made in the body is then broken down and produces Adenosine Diphosphate, or ADP. In the process of the breakdown of the sugars into ADP energy is released. Also, the ADP will gather the molecules that are necessary for the body to make more of the needed ATP. This entire process is considered to be a cycle because after it is completed it starts over again.
This cycle also produces carbon dioxide and heat. The heat that is produced is easily eliminate through sweat as well as some of the carbon dioxide. However, not all of the heat and carbon dioxide is eliminated this way, it is also eliminate through respiration.
Muscle contraction is an essential aspect of exercising. Therefore, without the continuous reproduction of ATP your body would be unable to properly contract the muscles. Your body has three systems that produce ATP, all at their own rate.
The system that generally is the fastest in restocking the ATP is the phosphagen system. However, this is more in short bursts of fuel as opposed to a complete refueling. This is for a quick short term aid only. This is better suitable for individuals that require short bursts of energy, such as a person that is sprinting. The slower system is the glycogen-lactic system. This system is better for those that require a little more energy for a longer period of time. The energy can last for up to a minute and a half.
When you are exercising your body utilizes the existing ATP in the body. This for obvious reasons is why it is vital that you eat properly on a daily basis. In order to produce more ATP you need to take in the appropriate foods that can be broken down, thus creating ATP.
Introduction to Keeping Fit
Fitness and Exercising – Benefits of Sweating
Fitness - Improve Immune System, Blood Flow and Reduce Stress
Fitness and Fluids
Fitness – Benefits of Exercising for Young People
Intro to Fitness for Men and Women
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