Exhaust & Refuel
Over the last year, I have become more active and interested in fitness. Now having taken up Crossfit, I’ve found myself more curious as to what happens to the body during and after exercise. I’ve also wondered what needs to be done to replenish the body after an exercise. This biology paper gave me even more reason to do the research and explain the topics aforementioned. ATP and nutrients will be the main focuses of the paper.
The body continuously creates energy but creates even more so as you begin to workout which is where ATP comes in. Adenosine Tri-Phosphate is an organic compound composed of adenosine and three phosphate groups. The nucleotide contains a large amount of chemical energy. The energy is released once it’s broken down into ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate). Basically, ATP is the source of energy within your body that creates any muscle contractions. Adenosine Tri-Phosphate is what allows you to do a push up, lift that heavy barbell or even jump.
Although, there is a limited amount of ATP storage in the mitochondria, the food we eat helps replenish our body to continue the activities being performed. Food however, isn’t the only way of replenishment for ATP. Creatine Phosphate, Glycolysis and cellular respiration are the three systems that also stock up ATP. The system used will depend on the intensity of your workout. The higher intensity, Creatine phosphate and glycolysis will be used. Cellular respiration however, is the system used for typical daily activities but it is a longer process.
After finishing a workout, nutrients are drained and muscle is broken down which is then the best time to stretch and refuel nutrients. Stretching is incredibly important after having exercised. Stretching prevents muscles from shrinking and relaxes the body’s muscles allowing for them to continue growing.
There are six main nutrients the body needs for its recovery. Depending on your diet, the first is carbs. They are typically what needs to be eaten within thirty minutes following your workout. Carbs help your performance when you exercise. However, some people prefer using fat rather than carbs to better their fitness.
Water is of course crucial to the body. It helps with replacing lost fluids and won’t recover if enough isn’t consumed. Water also contributes to removing waste and providing minerals. Another important nutrient is protein. During exercise protein is used for energy. They are also a source of energy and help build your body. Vitamins and chromium need to be restored after exercising. By taking a multivitamin, you are replacing the vitamins lost through sweat. Chromium can also be replaced by a supplement after a workout. Finally, antioxidants too need to be replenished which can be done by eating fruits, veggies and even dark chocolate!
It’s incredible the difference in the way you feel once you’ve refueled properly after an intense workout. Most people who engage in exercising should be aware of what needs to be done to keep their body healthy – it could certainly be detrimental to your health otherwise. I know I have definitely taken this information more seriously since learning about it. Although, I’m not necessarily interested in biology, I thoroughly enjoy this subject. It’s amazing what the body is capable of and all of the processes it has to go through in order to stay fit. All in all, nutrients are key in this equation.
Reflection: This paper helped me realize even more so, what nutrients I need after I finish my workout. The class has been informative. I didn't know as much about the way the body worked until taking this class as well as doing the research for this paper. It's very intriguing how it all works together.
The body continuously creates energy but creates even more so as you begin to workout which is where ATP comes in. Adenosine Tri-Phosphate is an organic compound composed of adenosine and three phosphate groups. The nucleotide contains a large amount of chemical energy. The energy is released once it’s broken down into ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate). Basically, ATP is the source of energy within your body that creates any muscle contractions. Adenosine Tri-Phosphate is what allows you to do a push up, lift that heavy barbell or even jump.
Although, there is a limited amount of ATP storage in the mitochondria, the food we eat helps replenish our body to continue the activities being performed. Food however, isn’t the only way of replenishment for ATP. Creatine Phosphate, Glycolysis and cellular respiration are the three systems that also stock up ATP. The system used will depend on the intensity of your workout. The higher intensity, Creatine phosphate and glycolysis will be used. Cellular respiration however, is the system used for typical daily activities but it is a longer process.
After finishing a workout, nutrients are drained and muscle is broken down which is then the best time to stretch and refuel nutrients. Stretching is incredibly important after having exercised. Stretching prevents muscles from shrinking and relaxes the body’s muscles allowing for them to continue growing.
There are six main nutrients the body needs for its recovery. Depending on your diet, the first is carbs. They are typically what needs to be eaten within thirty minutes following your workout. Carbs help your performance when you exercise. However, some people prefer using fat rather than carbs to better their fitness.
Water is of course crucial to the body. It helps with replacing lost fluids and won’t recover if enough isn’t consumed. Water also contributes to removing waste and providing minerals. Another important nutrient is protein. During exercise protein is used for energy. They are also a source of energy and help build your body. Vitamins and chromium need to be restored after exercising. By taking a multivitamin, you are replacing the vitamins lost through sweat. Chromium can also be replaced by a supplement after a workout. Finally, antioxidants too need to be replenished which can be done by eating fruits, veggies and even dark chocolate!
It’s incredible the difference in the way you feel once you’ve refueled properly after an intense workout. Most people who engage in exercising should be aware of what needs to be done to keep their body healthy – it could certainly be detrimental to your health otherwise. I know I have definitely taken this information more seriously since learning about it. Although, I’m not necessarily interested in biology, I thoroughly enjoy this subject. It’s amazing what the body is capable of and all of the processes it has to go through in order to stay fit. All in all, nutrients are key in this equation.
Reflection: This paper helped me realize even more so, what nutrients I need after I finish my workout. The class has been informative. I didn't know as much about the way the body worked until taking this class as well as doing the research for this paper. It's very intriguing how it all works together.