THE THREE METABOLIC ENERGY SYSTEMS 1. The first energy system is the ATP-PC Energy System.

This energy system is responsible for the High Power/Short Duration intensity of physical activity. ATP and phosphocreatine (PC) compose the ATP-PC system, also called the Phosphogen system. It is an anaerobic energy system. It is immediate and functions without oxygen. It allows for up to approximately 12 seconds of maximum effort. Examples are: a short sprint or lifting a heavy resistance for several repetitions, or a lawn tennis serve. 2. The second energy system is the the Glycolytic System. This energy system is responsible for the Moderate Power/Moderate Duration intensity of physical activity. The glycolytic system is the next in line tool after the ATP-PC system runs its course. Dietary carbohydrates supply glucose that circulates in the blood or is stored as glycogen in the muscles and the liver. Blood glucose and/or or stored glycogen is broken down to create ATP through the process of glycolysis. Like the ATP-PC system, oxygen is not required for the actual process of glycolysis (but it does play a role with the byproduct of glycolysis: pyruvic acid. After maximum power declines around 12 seconds, further intense activity up to approximately 30 seconds results in lactic acid accumulation, a decrease in power, and consequent muscle fatigue.This high, extended effort is labeled fast glycolysis. Exerting further effort up to approximately 50 seconds results in another drop in power due to the shift in dependence on the oxidative system. Bottom line: it is getting tougher. Example is an all-out sprint, to a slower jog, to an eventual walk. That is the progression of the three energy systems when going all-out. 3. The third energy system is the Oxidative System. This energy system is responsible for the Low Power/Long Duration intensity of physical activity. The maximal effort was fueled initially by the ATP-PC, but the performance declines. Continued effort results in further decline, either via fast glycolysis (quick decline) or slow glycolysis (slower decline). The human body is now entering the complex world of the low power but longer duration oxidative system. Examples are: 6-mile run, low-level manual labor on an eight-hour work shift, or a 5kilometer walk.