The aerobic energy system

The Aerobic Energy System

Overview

  • The aerobic energy system is one of the three energy systems utilised by the body during physical activity.
  • It’s called aerobic because it requires oxygen to function.

Function

  • The primary function of the aerobic system is to produce Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cell.
  • The system uses oxygen to ‘burn’ food (especially carbohydrates and fats) to provide energy.

Sequence of Operations

  • Initially, during exercise, glucose or glycogen is broken down into pyruvate in a process called glycolysis.
  • Pyruvate is then transported to the mitochondria, where it’s further broken down in the Krebs cycle to produce ATP.
  • The final stage in this system is the Electron Transport Chain (ETC), which results in additional ATP production.

Sporting Events

  • It’s the dominant energy system in prolonged, low-to-moderate intensity activities that last for several minutes or longer.
  • This would include activities like distance running, swimming, cycling, and rowing.

Benefits

  • It permits longer continuous activity as it utilises a large quantity of energy sources found within the body.
  • The system can operate as long as there are nutrients to utilise and sufficient oxygen supply.

Limitations

  • It’s slower at producing ATP than the anaerobic systems (ATP-PC system or Lactic acid system).
  • Its activity might be compromised during high-intensity exercises when the demand for oxygen exceeds supply.

Training the Aerobic System

  • Training methods to improve the effectiveness of this system include continuous training, interval training, and Fartlek training.
  • Regular aerobic exercise leads to enhanced capillarisation, increased heart size, and greater oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, which all help in improving the function of the aerobic energy system.

Understanding the function, activation, and limitations of the aerobic energy system is important for any sports performer, as it’s fundamental for improving performance and endurance in a wide range of sports and activities.