MELC:
OPTIMIZING ENERGY
SYSTEMS FOR SAFE AND
IMPROVED
PERFORMANCE
OBJECTIVES
1. IDENTIFY THE THREE MAIN ENERGY SYSTEMS OF THE
BODY AND THEIR FUNCTIONS IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES.
2. DIFFERENTIATE THE CHARACTERISTICS, ADVANTAGES,
AND LIMITATIONS OF EACH ENERGY SYSTEM.
3. ANALYZE HOW DIFFERENT TYPES OF EXERCISES USE
SPECIFIC ENERGY SYSTEMS.
THE
BODY’S
ENERGY
SYSTEM
ATP-PC System Glycolytic System Aerobic System (Long-
(Immediate energy) (Short-term energy) term energy)
GIVES ENERGY FOR VERY PROVIDES ENERGY FOR
SUPPLIES ENERGY FOR LONG,
SHORT, EXPLOSIVE MEDIUM-LENGTH, HIGH-
STEADY ACTIVITIES (OVER 2
MOVEMENTS (ABOUT 0–10 INTENSITY ACTIVITIES (ABOUT
MINUTES), LIKE JOGGING,
SECONDS), LIKE SPRINTING 10 SECONDS TO 2 MINUTES),
CYCLING, OR HIKING. USES
OR JUMPING. USES STORED LIKE A 400-METER RUN.
OXYGEN TO PRODUCE
ENERGY IN THE MUSCLES
ENERGY AND CAN LAST FOR
QUICKLY BUT RUNS OUT
HOURS.
FAST.
Energy System Characteristics Advantages Limitations
Uses stored ATP and
Provides energy instantly;
ATP-PC System creatine phosphate in Runs out very quickly;
perfect for explosive
(Immediate energy) muscles; lasts about 0–10 limited to short bursts
movements
seconds; no oxygen needed
Breaks down glucose
Glycolytic System (Short- without oxygen; lasts about Supplies energy quickly for Lactic acid buildup causes
term energy) 10 seconds to 2 minutes; high-intensity efforts fatigue; limited duration
produces lactic acid
Uses oxygen to break down Can produce energy for Slower to start producing
Aerobic System (Long-
carbohydrates and fats; long periods; supports energy; not for high-
term energy)
lasts more than 2 minutes endurance intensity bursts
