Metabolism and Exercise

Metabolism is the myriad of chemical reactions that occur within a organism's cells, where the molecules are transformed to harness energy for vital life processes, while exercise is physical activity that's intended to improve or maintain physical fitness and overall health.

Metabolism

• Metabolism consists of anabolic (building up) and catabolic (breaking down) reactions.
• Anabolic reactions use energy to construct components of cells such as proteins and nucleic acids. Dehydration synthesis is an example of an anabolic process.
• Catabolic reactions break down large molecules into smaller ones and are generally exothermic. Glycolysis, the breakdown of glucose, is a catabolic process.
• The energy released from catabolic reactions is used to drive the anabolic reactions.
• Metabolic rate is the rate at which these metabolic reactions occur.
• Metabolic rate is affected by factors like physical activity, food intake, temperature, and stress.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

• The Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the minimal rate of metabolism required to keep an individual alive at rest.
• It is measured in kilocalories per square meter of body surface per hour.
• Factors affecting BMR include age, gender, weight, body composition, and overall health condition.

Metabolism and Exercise

• Exercise increases the metabolic rate.
• During exercise, the body requires more energy which is obtained by breaking down more glucose for ATP synthesis.
• This rise in metabolic activity continues for some time even after the exercise has stopped. This is known as Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC).
• Regular exercise can increase the resting metabolic rate (RMR), which means that the body burns more calories at rest.
• Exercise also influences the balance between anabolic and catabolic activities in the body.

Exercise Responsive Metabolism

• During exercise, metabolic pathways are activated to provide the necessary energy.
• Aerobic exercise, for long durations, primarily uses fats and carbohydrates for energy.
• In comparison, anaerobic exercise, such as lifting weights, primarily uses carbohydrate metabolism.
• Prolonged exercise sessions lead to glucose depletion, prompting the body to use other substrates for energy, such as fats and proteins.

Metabolic Adaptation to Exercise

• Chronic exercise training causes adaptations in metabolic function.
• The muscle's capacity for fat oxidation increases with regular aerobic exercise.
• Regular resistance training increases muscle protein synthesis.
• These adaptations contribute to improvements in physical performance and health.
• Understanding these points about metabolism and exercise can contribute to a better grasp of human physiology and energy dynamics.

Remember that exercise and metabolism are closely related. Exercise can influence the metabolic rate and the balance between anabolic and catabolic activities in the body. The adaptations triggered by regular exercise can significantly enhance physical performance and overall health.