Training and energy
During physical activity, due to the effect of combustion, the organism produces substances defined as “combustion products”. They are CO2; H2O and lactic acid.
The substances that are “burnt" (oxidants) by means of oxygen, in order to produce ATP, are fundamentally: glycogen and fatty acids.
Naturally the type of substances used (and the percentage of use) vary in function of the type of activity carried out: anaerobic alacticide; anaerobic lacticide or aerobic.
In the same way, the percentage of lactic acid produced varies due to the effect of the aforementioned activity. It must always be remembered that a part of the lactic acid produced goes backs into circulation as a source of energy through the Cori cycle.
When training, before putting oneself to the test, neuromuscular techniques must be put into practice (warm up), which have the task of stimulating parts of the movements made in the discipline to be carried out, in order to verify the best way to unlock a muscle.
The results obtained in competitions directly depend on the physical qualities of the athlete Training a quality determines improving it. These qualities already exist in the individual, though in different measures from subject to subject.
In order to express them at the maximum of their potential, they must be adequately trained and the muscles must be provided with the best conditions so they can work in the best way.
This situation implies good nourishment of the muscles, which can be improved by optimizing the transport of the nutritional substances and oxygen, and therefore of the blood. A good capillary network is required.
It is calculated that, in athletic people, the dimensions of the vessels can be up to 10 times greater than in sedentary people. In order to obtain good vascularization, jogging is considered to be among the best activities, furthermore, it is preparation for any athletic movement, thanks to the blood flow it attains. This activity is called general conditioning and is carried out by all athletes to improve their performance, endurance and ability to best use energy sublayers.
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diagram of energy release through aerobic and anaerobic mechanisms |
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ENERGY MECHANISM |
ENERGY ACCUMULATORS |
COMBUSTION OR WASTE PRODUCTS |
EXAMPLES OF SPORTS ACTIVITIES |
| Anaerobic alacticide |
ATP + CP |
----- |
Sprint, jumping, throwing, efforts lasting 8''/10'' |
| Anaerobic lacticide |
GLYCOGEN
|
lactic acid
|
Team sports, middle-distance sprints |
| Aerobic |
GLYCOGEN + O2 + FATTY ACIDS |
H2O + CO2 |
Running at various speeds, cycling, long distance |
Good training also improves the functioning of the splanchnic apparatus, which is responsible for good efficiency even after repeated exercise.
Training also optimizes mitochondrial functioning, which improves performance by facilitating energy production.
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