Aerobic Respiration

The fundamental element of any training program is the inclusion of easy aerobic training.

The use of an individual’s aerobic system originates in the mitochondria, which is also known as the “power house” of the cell.

The body's form of energy is known as adenosine triphsophate (ATP) which the body utilises to perform its daily functions including muscle contractions. The body creates energy by either breaking down glycogen, which is stored in the liver, and muscle, or using free floating glucose molecules in the blood stream.

Before entering the mitochondria, the process of glycolysis takes place, the word ‘glycolysis’ simply means the breaking down (lysis) of glucose. Glucose is broken down into a 2x molecules of pyruvate before entering the mitochondria has a different molecule called Acetyl-CoA. Once inside of the mitochondria, the process of aerobic respiration really begins. When inside the mitochondria the Kreb’s Cycle is the means by which energy or ATP is produced; on average, for every 1 glucose molecule 30-36 ATP molecules are produced. This is substantially more than what is produced during anaerobic glycolysis which occurs outside of the mitochondria.

So what does all this mean. Easy, aerobic, or zone 2 training is designed to help increase the density of mitochondria as well as increasing the network of capillaries around muscles. By increasing the density of mitochondria and blood supply to the muscles means that your body improves its efficiency at using aerobic respiration and boosts what is known as your aerobic capacity.

Aerobic zone 2 training helps improve your body’s ability to perform over a longer period of time, hence improving your endurance. Additionally, the easier training provides not only a physical relief but also a mental refresher from those harder quality sessions.

Enjoy your easy sessions because as much as it might not feel like it, they benefit your body and your training in more ways than you know.