Energy Systems and Training Methods

Energy Systems and Training Methods

Key Terms

  • Bioenergetics: The study of metabolic processes that yield or consume energy.

  • Catabolism: The metabolic process involving the tearing down of body tissue.

  • Anabolism: The metabolic process involving the building up of body tissue.

  • Metabolism: All energy-producing and energy-using processes within the body.


Biological Energy Systems

  • Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP): The primary energy carrier in all living organisms.

  • Three Basic Energy Systems in Muscle Cells:

    • Anaerobic: This process does not require oxygen for ATP replenishment.

    • Aerobic: This process requires oxygen for ATP replenishment.


Overview of Energy Systems

  • Phosphagen System (ATP-PC): Utilizes stored ATP and creatine phosphate for quick energy.

  • Glycolysis (Anaerobic): Breaks down glucose without oxygen, producing energy quickly for short bursts.

  • Oxidative System (Aerobic): Relies on carbohydrates and fats, utilizing oxygen for prolonged energy output.


Phosphagen System (ATP-PC)

  • Duration: 0-10 seconds.

  • Fuel: Utilizes stored ATP and creatine phosphate.

  • Training Methods:

    • Sprints

    • Plyometrics

    • Heavy lifts

  • Work to Rest Ratio: 1:12 to 1:20, indicating that for every unit of work, 12 to 20 units of rest are recommended.


Glycolysis (Anaerobic)

  • Duration: 10 seconds to 2 minutes.

  • Fuel: Muscle glycogen is utilized for energy.

  • Training Methods:

    • Intervals

    • Tempo runs

    • Circuits

  • Work to Rest Ratios: 1:2 to 1:5, indicating the ratio of work to rest is more balanced for recovery.


Oxidative System (Aerobic)

  • Duration: 2 minutes or more.

  • Fuel: Carbohydrates and fats are used as fuel sources.

  • Training Methods:

    • Steady state cardio

    • Long intervals

    • Tempo efforts

  • Work to Rest Ratio: 1:1 or continuous, which allows for sustained effort.


Energy System Continuum

  • Energy demands of various sports are reflected in the ATP-CP and LA (Lactic Acid) versus Lactic Acid to Oxygen (LA-O2) usage ratios:

    • Basketball: 60% ATP-CP, 20% LA, 20% O2

    • Fencing: 90% ATP-CP, 10% LA

    • Field events: 90% ATP-CP, 10% LA

    • Golf swing: 95% ATP-CP, 5% LA

    • Gymnastics: 80% ATP-CP, 15% LA, 5% O2

    • Hockey: 50% ATP-CP, 20% LA, 30% O2

    • Distance running: 10% ATP-CP, 20% LA, 70% O2

    • Rowing: 20% ATP-CP, 30% LA, 50% O2

    • Skiing: 33% ATP-CP, 33% LA, 33% O2

    • Soccer: 50% ATP-CP, 20% LA, 30% O2

    • Sprints: 90% ATP-CP, 10% LA

    • Swimming (1.5km): 10% ATP-CP, 20% LA, 70% O2

    • Tennis: 70% ATP-CP, 20% LA, 10% O2

    • Volleyball: 80% ATP-CP, 5% LA, 15% O2


Conditioning Methods

  • Low to Moderate Intensity: Continuous training promotes endurance.

  • High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): Short bursts of high effort followed by rest periods.

  • SIT (Sprint Interval Training): Similar to HIIT but focuses on maximal efforts.

  • Fartlek Training: A combination of fast and slow running.

  • Interval Training: Alternating intervals of work and rest.

  • Circuit Training: Involves several exercises performed in sequence with minimal rest.

  • Sport-Specific Drills: Tailored training to improve skills relevant to specific sports.


Sample Conditioning Sessions

  • Phosphagen System: 6 x 10 m sled sprints with 90 seconds of rest between efforts.

  • Glycolysis: 4 x 400 m runs at 90% effort with 2 minutes of rest for recovery.

  • Oxidative: 30-minute steady-state run at 70% of heart rate maximum (HRmax).


Common Mistakes

  • Overtraining the Glycolytic System: Leading to fatigue without adequate recovery.

  • Ignoring the Aerobic Base: Neglecting long-duration energy system development.

  • Poor Recovery: Impacts performance and adaptation.

  • Lack of Specificity: Training not tailored to the sport or activity demands.


Today’s Conditioning Session

  • Format: 60 seconds of work followed by 30 seconds of rest, repeated for 3 sets.

    • Exercises Included:

      • Shuttle run

      • Air Squats

      • Planks

      • Skipping

      • Lunges

  • Data to Log:

    • Readiness and wellness score.

    • Duration of session (22.5 minutes).

    • Heart rate at the end of session.

    • Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE).