Energy Systems Exploration
February 16, 2024
As a living, breathing, blog reading individual you’ve probably learned the basics around how food provides the body with energy. There are actually several different ways that this can occur and they depend on the activity being performed. Depending on our sport or activity, nutrition, genetics, and level of training will each play a role which energy system is primarily utilized. As you can see in the pictures above these athletes have trained to optimize a certain energy system in their body to improve performance at their respective sport. Regardless of which energy system is predominantly used all energy is stored in the form of ATP.
Adenosine Triphosphate or “ATP” is the energy currency of the body. Each of the energy systems in the body have their own way of producing ATP to power our daily activities. There are pro’s and con’s to each energy system but ultimately having a better understanding of how our body uses energy can help us make informed decisions on diet and exercise. Let’s learn about each energy system…
Alactic System aka the Creatine Phosphate System
Lactic Acid System aka Glycolytic
Aerobic System aka Fatty Acid Metabolism
“No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow you progress, you are still way ahead of everyone who isn’t trying.” —Tony Robbins
Alactic System
(aka the Creatine Phosphate System)
What is it: The alactic system utilizes creatine phosphate (CP) as an energy source. It fuels high intensity efforts. Creatine is able to donate its phosphate molecules to the the Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP) molecule allowing it to return to ATP, with potential energy stored in its chemical bonds. Creatine comes from the food that we eat with the highest levels in red meat, pork, poultry, and fish. It can also be supplemented for vegetarians and vegans.
Time domains: This energy system is exhausted in 8-12 seconds for most individuals and you will fatigue when your CP and ATP stores have depleted. It is great for quick bursts of energy.
Efficiency:It requires 30 seconds to 2 minutes to replenish energy stores.
By products: Heat released from the breaking of chemical bonds.
Examples of activity: You may see this energy system in action through the short powerful bursts seen in weightlifters, powerlifters, pitchers, and shot putters.
What training looks like: Training the CP system means using short time domains with long rest periods in between. In the gym this means keeping rep ranges to sets of 6 or fewer reps.
Lactic Acid System
(aka Glycolytic system)
What is it: The lactic acid system utilizes glycogen (glucose stored in the muscles and liver) as a fuel source. It is for longer lasting high intensity activities. Our body is able to store about 500 total grams of glycogen in the muscle and liver tissue which provides around 2,000 calories worth of energy. Running out of this fuel source is commonly referred to as “bonking.” Some athletes consume carbohydrate foods, drinks, and supplements during training and competition to prevent running out of this valuable fuel source.
Time domains: It is the primary fuel source for activities lasting from 30 seconds to about 3 minutes. You know you have fatigued this energy system when hydrogen ion accumulation causes a burning sensation in the muscles.
Efficiency: The lactic acid system is very efficient at providing fuel but fatigues quickly. Due to the long recovery time it is favorable to alternate levels of intensity between glycolytic and aerobic dependence to sustain high output.
By products: The byproduct of this system is pyruvate. Which must be cleared from the blood to continue to utilize this energy system. This can take 30-60 minutes.
Examples of activity: This energy system would rule during a 400 or 800 meter sprint, a hockey lines time on the ice, or most CrossFit workouts. It is seen in mixed use with the aerobic system during longer workouts or soccer and basketball games where the players alternate between a slower jog pace with periods of intense sprinting and jumping.
What training looks like: To train this energy system you can utilize interval style training. Intense bursts of energy followed by a recovery period that allows you to stay at a threshold of high output. These athletes tend to have increased muscle mass and ideally lower body fat percentage.
Aerobic System
(aka Fatty Acid Metabolism aka Krebs Cycle aka Citric Acid Cycle…)
What is it: This is the creation of energy from fat, glycogen or protein in the presence of oxygen used to power low and moderate intensity activities. The mitochondria present in muscle cells takes the available fuel source through a variety of reactions to produce ATP. Since fat molecules packs 9 calories per gram they tend to be the main choice for this energy system. Even the leanest individuals carry enough body fat to fuel many days worth of activity.
Time domains: Any activity lasting more than 3 minutes in duration.
Efficiency: This system produces energy much more slowly than the others. The good news is it can utilize an unlimited fuel supply of fat.
By products: The aerobic system only produces water and carbon dioxide when generating ATP.
Examples of activity: This energy system is your predominant fuel source for jogging, cycling, swimming long distances, and most of your daily activities.
What training looks like: Athletes who have become efficient at using fat as a fuel source are able to convert the energy from fat more quickly, allowing them to sustain higher levels of work capacity for activities with long durations. These athletes are usually easy to spot as they have exceptional muscle definition and extremely low body fat.
As you can see from the graph, our average work capacity is dictated by the length of time we are performing an activity.By training in all three energy systems we can become more efficient in all areas, thus increasing our work capacity across the board.Individuals who only try to utilize cardio or lifting heavy weights to improve work capacity will fall short of their well rounded counterparts. If you’re an individual who wants to improve general health it is beneficial to train each of the energy systems.
If you’re ready to increase you work capacity and become more fit give us a call today and we’ll help you get started!
The body c💥 Junkie Journal – October 20, 2025 💥 Training Focus: This week’s weightlifting! We’re working through Bench Press, Back Squats, and Front Rack Lunges — a strong combo to build pressing power, leg strength, and core stability. Stay consistent, trust your form, and don’t skip the accessory work — it’s what keeps those PRs coming! Sit-Up Challenge Update: We’re officially 20 days in, and today’s target is 100 sit-ups! 🧘♀️ Keep grinding — consistency is what transforms this from a challenge into a habit. You’re over halfway there, so stay strong and keep that midline fired up! Ladies Night Recap: Our First Book Exchange was such a success! 📚💚 Big thanks to everyone who came out, swapped stories, and shared their favorite reads. The next event is already on the calendar for January — stay tuned for the date and details soon! Membership Tip: As the weather turns chilly and those dark, rainy mornings roll in, it might be time to upgrade to an Unlimited Membership. Having 7-day access makes it easier to stay consistent and keep moving, no matter how unpredictable the weather gets. Remember — the hardest part is showing up, and we’ve got you covered once you’re here! 🌧️💪 Quote of the Week: “The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do.” goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
💥 Junkie Journal – Week of October 7 💥 Hey Junkies! 👋 Fall is in full swing around here— new faces, fresh goals, and everyone showing up strong. *Want to stay in the loop on gym updates, events, and challenges? Be sure you’re part of our private Facebook group — StormKing Junkies! That’s where you will see reminders and announcements first. * REMINDER to wear layers as the gym gets cooler with the weather changing!! Personal Training with Coach Danielle If you’ve been thinking about dialing in your form, breaking through a plateau, or adding some extra accountability — Danielle is now taking personal training clients! 🙌 Whether your goal is refining technique, building confidence with the barbell, improving body composition, or staying injury-free, personal training can make a big difference in your routine. Sessions are completely tailored to you — book a single session for a skill tune-up or set up recurring training for ongoing progress. Sessions can take place right here at the gym, and billing runs conveniently through your Wodify account. Interested in getting started? 📩 Email us at stormkingcrossfit@outlook.com or chat with us next time you’re in the gym to connect with Danielle! Sit-Up Challenge Our 30-Day Sit-Up Challenge is underway! ✅ Today’s target: 45 sit-ups Each day we add 5 more sit-ups, with a rest day every 5th day. Break them into sets or power through all at once — just stay consistent! Weekly Programming Highlights This week’s strength focus: Shoulder Press – Build that overhead stability and pressing strength. Back Squat – Chase depth, control, and power through the drive. Power Cleans – Speed and precision meet strength — dial in your technique and move some weight. Keep showing up and putting in the reps — these are foundation builders for everything we do! 💪 Ladies Event – Fall Edition! Ladies, mark your calendars! Friday October 17th 5-7pm! Our first Ladies Night will be a cozy get-together right here in the Café — a perfect kickoff before we choose a home and date for the next one. It’s all about connection, laughter, and community. Keep Showing Up Whether you’re training for goals, joining challenges, or just staying consistent — you’re doing the work that matters. Small actions add up, and this crew keeps proving it every week. Let’s make it another strong one! 💪
Hey Junkies! 👋 We’re wrapping up September and rolling right into a brand-new October challenge. Here’s what’s happening this week: 💪 Squat Challenge – Final Two Days! We’ve been squatting all month and now it’s time to finish strong: Today: 145 squats Tomorrow: 150 squats ✅ That’s the finale! If you’ve stuck with it, huge congrats—you just crushed a month of consistency! 👏 🆕 October Challenge – 30 Days of Sit-Ups Starting Wednesday, Oct 1st, we’re rolling into a 30-Day Sit-Up Challenge! ✅Build your core strength daily ✅Progressively add reps each day Keep the momentum and consistency rolling from squats to abs 💥 🏋️♂️ Programming Highlights Mon/Wed/Fri: Strength barbell work with front squats and deadlifts plus lots of dumbbells, pullups, burpees and cardio! Tues/Thurs: Longer metcons to test your conditioning 🍂 Ladies Night 📆 Friday, Oct 18 | 5–7 PM Potluck + book exchange (bring a wrapped book + dish) Cozy, fun, and community-driven 🙌 Welcome New Faces! You may notice some new folks around the gym this week—thanks to our Free Week! Please give them a big StormKing welcome 👊 and show them what our community is all about. Nothing beats the energy of new people stepping into fitness with us! 🎯 Personal Training at SKAC Looking for extra accountability or a little more focus on your goals? Our personal training options with Coach Danielle makes available one-on-one coaching, custom programming, and the confidence to crush movements inside and outside of class. Whether you’re brand new or looking to take your training to the next level, this is the fastest way to see progress. Ask us how you can work with Danielle! ⚡ Keep Showing Up From squats to sit-ups, consistency beats everything. Don’t wait for the “perfect time”—just show up, put in the work, and watch the results add up.
The Junkie Journal | September 22 Hey Junkies! 👋 We’re rolling into a brand-new week! Thank you to everyone showing up, logging your workouts, and bringing that StormKing spirit—it matters more than you know! 🏋️ Strength Focus This week we’re continuing to build consistency with the basics: Monday: Deadlifts Tuesday: Partner WOD Wednesday: Push Jerk Thursday: Partner WOD Friday: Back Squats 📆 Community Happenings Palmer’s 3rd Birthday Bash 🎉 Coach Paisley is hosting Palmer’s party at the gym Saturday, Sept 27th @ 10am! Family workout first, then cake + dance party. RSVP if you’re bringing littles. 🍂 Ladies Night – Fall Edition! 🍂 Save the date: Friday, Oct 18, 5–7 PM. Potluck + book exchange = cozy vibes and connection. Bring a wrapped book + a dish to share. Who wants to host our first one? 💡 Squat Challenge Update We’re in the final week of our September Squat Challenge! 💪 Today = 125 squats in one session. By the end of the week = 150 squats! 🔥 🔥 Motivation of the Week “Consistency beats intensity.” Show up, even on the days you’re tired. Even half a tank is better than sitting in the garage. 🚗
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
🔥 The Junkie Journal | Mid-August Momentum 🔥 Hey Junkies! 👋 We know summer schedules are packed, but don’t let that stop your progress—this is the perfect time to keep stacking small wins. ✨ Ladies Lift – Final Week! This is the last week of our current Ladies Lift session. Huge shoutout to everyone who has shown up, lifted strong, and built confidence these past weeks! 💪 The next round kicks off mid-September—stay tuned for dates. 📆 Coming in September – Air Squat Challenge! It’s simple. It’s effective. And it’s for everyone. We’ll start at 15 squats on Day 1 and build up to 150 squats by Day 30. All in one session, with rests as needed. You’ll be amazed what consistency can do. Who’s in? 🙌 🏋️ This Week in the Gym Strength focus is ON: ✔️Hang Cleans ✔️Bench Press ✔️Deadlifts Conditioning? Expect those long grinder-style metcons on Tuesday and Thursday to keep your engine sharp. Even when the gym feels quiet, your effort counts double—so show up, put in the work, and keep building momentum heading into fall. 🍂
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
