ENERGY SYSTEMS: PHOSPHAGEN

ENERGY SYSTEMS - PHOSPHAGEN

Our bodies have access to 3 different energy systems that they can utilize.  They all use ATP to actually create muscle contractions, but they do it differently.

Let’s talk about the Phosphagen System today.

When we need short, intense bursts of energy lasting only a few seconds (up to 10 seconds with this system), ATP is synthesized using creatine phosphate (CP) that is stored in our muscles.  It’s an extremely fast process, but it doesn’t last long since there is a limited about of CP stored in our muscles.  The process does not require any of our body’s oxygen which classifies it as an “anaerobic” event.

Athletes that rely on the phosphagen system would include short distance sprinters, Olympic Weightlifters, football lineman, and track and field athletes like shot putters or throwers.

We train this energy system in the gym by using loads approaching our 1 rep max, with plenty of rest between sets.  Exercises like sprints and fast sled pushes are also excellent ways to train this system.

Next week we will talk about another anaerobic energy system, the “glycolytic” system.