Exercise triggers a multitude of physiological changes in your body, affecting everything from your heart and lungs to your brain and hormones. Here’s a step-by-step look at what happens inside your body when you exercise and how these changes contribute to overall fitness and well-being.
Energy Production and Demand
When you exercise, your muscles require more energy, primarily in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
One key process for generating ATP is glycolysis. This process converts glucose, a type of sugar derived from the food you eat, into ATP. Glucose is stored in your muscles and liver, ready to be broken down quickly to fuel your workout. However, glycolysis alone isn't enough to meet all energy needs, especially during intense exercise.
As you continue to exercise, your body also increases its demand for oxygen. Oxygen helps generate ATP more efficiently, which is why your heart rate and breathing rate rise during physical activity. Your heart pumps more blood to deliver oxygen to your muscles, and you start breathing faster to meet the higher oxygen demands. For example, during cardiovascular exercises like running or cycling, your body requires significantly more oxygen compared to weightlifting.
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