The Science behind EneSys Performance
Energy systems are vital mechanisms responsible for the production and utilisation of energy within the human body.
The proper functioning of our body, including actions like running, walking, lifting weights and engaging in sports, relies on the body’s ability to extract chemical energy from the breakdown of nutrients in the food we consume. After digestion, carbohydrates, protein, and fat break down into simpler compounds such as glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids. These compounds are absorbed into the blood and transported to various cells where adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is formed to provide energy.
ATP is the fundamental energy carrier in our body, and all bodily functions rely on it for sustenance. During physical activity our body continuously endeavours to supply sufficient energy to sustain muscle function whilst at the same time the energy systems operate concurrently to replenish ATP, the primary energy currency in the body.
To replenish ATP and sustain energy levels during physical activity, our body employs three energy systems: the ATP-PC system, the Glycogen Lactic Acid system, and the Oxidative or Aerobic system. Each system serves a distinct purpose based on the intensity and duration of the activity.
The ATP-PC system
The ATP-PC system, also known as the anaerobic alactic or phosphagen system, provides immediate energy for short and intense movements lasting about 10 seconds. It utilizes the limited ATP already stored in the muscles. When ATP is depleted, it relies on phosphocreatine to synthesize additional ATP.
The Glycogen Lactic Acid system
The Glycogen Lactic Acid system, or anaerobic glycolysis system, is another anaerobic pathway that breaks down carbohydrates into glycogen or glucose to resynthesize ATP. There are two components of this system: fast glycolysis, which quickly converts pyruvate to lactate for shorter bursts of activity, and slow glycolysis, which involves the Krebs cycle in the mitochondria for longer-duration ATP production.
The Oxidative or Aerobic system
The Oxidative or Aerobic system is the primary source of ATP at rest and during low-intensity activities. It primarily utilizes carbohydrates and fats. Glucose is transported into the mitochondria, where it undergoes the Krebs cycle or the electron transport chain to produce ATP. This system is slower in ATP production but has a higher capacity, making it suitable for activities lasting longer than 2-3 minutes.
Although there is usually a predominant energy system at work, all three systems contribute to the process. The dominance of a particular energy system in replenishing ATP depends on three key factors:
Intensity of exercise
The level of exertion and effort exerted during physical activity directly influences the energy system utilized by the body.
Duration of exercise
The length of time the body engages in physical activity impacts the choice of energy system employed to sustain energy levels.
Fitness level
An individual’s fitness level plays a pivotal role in determining the most effective energy system employed during exercise.
EneSys Performance provides a structured training program methodology to maximize the combined effect, duration and control of these energy systems.
We achieve this through meticulously designed combinations of high-intensity workouts that encompass various exercise modalities such as weights, functional movements and bodyweight exercises. These comprehensive exercise routines address all ten key fitness components:
- Cardiorespiratory endurance
- Muscle endurance
- Stamina
- Strength
- Power
- Speed
- Coordination
- Accuracy
- Agility
- Balance
Moreover, EneSys Performance effectively harnesses the concept of Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC), which is characterized by elevated oxygen consumption following intense exercise. During this phase, the body expends oxygen to restore muscle glycogen and repair damaged muscle proteins, thereby promoting fat burning. EPOC has been acknowledged as a significant contributor to weight management and loss, making it a crucial aspect of our training methodology.