3 Cardiovascular Energy Systems Powering Exercise

When engaging in circuit training at the gym or sweating it out on your treadmill at home, you are experiencing the benefits of cardiovascular fitness. While any type of cardio is better than no exercise at all, not all cardiovascular training is created equal. Our cardiovascular system relies on three distinct energy systems, each with its own purpose and function. Understanding and incorporating activities that benefit each of these systems can help maximize your overall cardiovascular health and fitness. The three energy systems are the aerobic energy system, anaerobic lactic system, and anaerobic alactic systems. The aerobic energy system is typically engaged in activities like running, walking, cycling, and swimming and requires more oxygen to meet the demands of the muscles. The anaerobic lactic system produces energy without the use of oxygen and is responsible for fueling intense bursts of physical activity. The anaerobic alactic system does not require oxygen or create lactate to produce energy and is used for very short bursts of exercise. To optimize your cardio and overall health, you should try to train all three energy systems. Here are some workout suggestions to help you train each system:
– Workout A (Anaerobic alactic) – 20-second intervals with rest periods of at least 140 seconds in between.
– Workout B (Anaerobic lactic) – One-minute intervals with rest periods of five to seven minutes in between.
– Workout C (Aerobic) – Four-minute intervals with a four-minute rest in between.
Incorporating these varied workouts into your fitness routine can help you achieve maximal cardiovascular health and fitness.