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Exercise Intensity & Energy SourceEnergy is primarily supplied from two sources:
During exercise, we use a combination of these energy sources. At a high-intensity, the primary energy source is the carbohydrate and at a low-intensity fat is the predominant source. As there is a limit to the amount of carbohydrate that can be stored in the muscles, high-intensity work can only be sustained for short periods. We have large fat stores to maintain low-intensity work for long periods.
Intensity and Energy SourceThe following table, adapted from O'Neil (2001)[1], shows the relationship between exercise intensity (% of your Maximum Heart Rate) and the energy source (carbohydrate and fat).
Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER)Carbohydrates, fat and protein all play a part in energy metabolism, and for a specific volume of oxygen, the energy released will depend upon the energy source. It is possible to estimate which particular fuel (carbohydrate, fat or protein) is being oxidised by calculating the Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER). RER is the ratio of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) produced to oxygen (O 2 ) consumed and is known as the Respiratory Quotient (RQ). If carbohydrate is completely oxidised to CO 2 and water (H 2 O) then the relationships are as follows: If fat is completely oxidised to CO 2 and H 2 O then the relationships are as follows: The RER for protein is approx. 0.8 but as it plays a very small part in energy metabolism. A value between 0.7 and 1.0 indicates a mixture of fat and carbohydrate as the energy source. A value greater than 1.0 indicates anaerobic respiration due to more CO 2 being produced than O 2 consumed.
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