Energy Systems
Athletes that train predominantly anaerobic pathways in a wide range of intervals and modalities have at least the cardiovascular or aerobic fitness of endurance athletes. – Greg Glassman
There are three distinct biochemical means by which energy is provided for all human action. These “metabolic engines” are known as the phosphagen pathway, the glycolytic pathway, and the oxidative pathway.
The first, the phosphagen pathway, provides the bulk of energy used in highest-powered activities, those that last less than ten seconds.
The second, the glycolytic pathway, dominates moderate-powered activities, those that last up to several minutes.
The third, the oxidative pathway provides energy for low-powered activities, those that last in excess of several minutes.
The most important point to remember is that high intensity efforts can produce dramatic aerobic benefit without the muscle wasting seen with endurance training. – Greg Glassman