How Do We Get Fitter? Aerobic Fitness.
We all know that when we exercise we get fitter; whether that is run faster, go for longer, lift more weight, perform more repetitions but how does this happen? I have found in my own training and explaining to others, it often helps to know the processes by which the body adapts to training.
There are various changes that take place in the body in response to aerobic training, these changes can divided into two areas, central and peripheral.
Central is anything to do with the heart, lungs and blood and involves delivery of oxygen to the body. The heart itself becomes stronger, so that it’s more economic with its energy expenditure, a fitter person will have a lower heart rate as it can beat less often to pump the same amount of blood. Lungs have an increased capacity to hold oxygen, allowing optimal amounts of oxygen to be picked up to take to the muscles. In the blood network there is increased capillarisation so that blood can flow to more areas in the larger muscles that have developed from exercise and activity. The arteries also gain thickness of muscle banditry so that they can squeeze the blood along faster. This results in a reduction in blood pressure and levels of cholesterol especially around the heart.
Peripheral is anything to do with changes inside the muscles, namely their physiology, content and enzyme reactions. To cut a long and complicated and story short; there are increases in levels of certain enzymes that are needed for aerobic breakdown of fuels to produce energy. There is also an increase to the size and number of mitochondria, these are where the body produces energy aerobically, necessary to perform chosen exercise. The muscles have an increased ability to use fat as fuel, obviously increasing fat burning. Also, the nerve impulses in the body become stronger resulting in an ability to move faster and with an increased rate of strength.
There is a lot of information here, so maybe put it to one side and read it again at a later date. Remember, any questions please let me know!
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