Creatine as a Bioenergetic Health Supplement
The adenosine triphosphate phosphocreatine system, ATP-CP for
short, makes a constant supply of energy for 15-30 seconds. Once
the available ATP is used for energy, the body slips into
another energy mode to make ATP called glycolysis. This process
uses glucose to make ATP and is responsible for the familiar
burning sensation felt during training caused by lactic, which
is this processes byproduct. Creatine is a supplement commonly
used because its ingestion is reported to supply the cells with
enough raw material to help the body produce more ATP, thus
delaying glycolysis and "the burn" for a few extra seconds. High
explosive sports such as sprinting, power lifting, football, and
baseball rely heavily on the ATP-PC system. ATP is term the
powerhouse of the cell and is also aids the body in nerve
transmission, digestion, tissue building, and circulation.
ATP production is either anaerobic or aerobic. During
weightlifting, which is 100% anaerobic, ATP is produce without
the help of oxygen. During extended periods of exercise such as
marathon, which is 100% aerobic, ATP is produced with the help
of oxygen. Activities such as soccer or football, which require
short bursts of energy, are a combination of aerobic and
anaerobic. Boxing is an example of a combine aerobic and
anaerobic exercise. The punch is an anaerobic exercise while the
repeated bouncing and constant motion is aerobic.
The length of an exercise or activity will ultimately determine
which system is at use, for example, a 500 yard dash will use
the ATP-PC system to generate ATP, then glycolysis, and finally
aerobic metabolism to generate the needed ATP to sustain
movement.
ANAEROBIC THRESHOLD At the onset of an activity, the body will
rapidly increase oxygen consumption until the level of demand is
met. This can take anywhere from 1-3 minutes, depending on the
condition of the individual. Just from casual observation,many
have sen those who were out of shape, "suck wind" at the onset
of exercise while we also see those who can carry ona
conversation and seem to breathe normally while jogging at a
moderate pace. These adaptations are dependent on the aerobic
conditioning of the individual, commonly coined as begin "in
shape".
After exercise, the body's demand for oxygen is still elevate.
Respiration is increased after exercise for a considerable
amount of time relative to the intensity of the of the exercise
and the individuals aerobic conditioning.
Because the body shifts into glycolysis to produce ATP after the
ATP-PCr system, if the individual continues to train, there will
be an accumulation of lactate. Once this lactate reaches the
systemically(overall) in the bloodstream, an aerobic threshold
is said to have been met. If levels in the blood get too high,
one may get nauseated or vomit to the acidity of the blood.
Generally untrained individuals will have a very low anaerobic
threshold, while a highly trained individual, such as an
endurance runner, will be able to sustain activity despite high
levels of lactic acid. This is due to a very high anaerobic
threshold. It is important to remember that this adaptation
takes time to develop, so be patient with yourself and others
during exercise. Generally is not a matter of will, but
physiological limiting factors that cause people new to exercise
to suddenly stop. Patience is key when dealing with the body.