Energy Systems
If you want to improve your speed, it is important to understand the anaerobic energy system.
First lets look at energy- energy is a fundamental component to everyday living and exercise. Energy is stored by cells in the molecules of substances such as carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, which release energy when reacted with oxygen in respiration.

Now lets look at energy systems.  We are going to look at aerobic and anaerobic systems. 

Lets start with aerobic (for aerboics video, watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g65AeKO6Dw )

Aerobic means with oxygen,  and is often associated with endurance activities.  Aerobic exercise should not be limited to endurance athletes.  Sprinters and athletes who want to have success realize how important it is to have an overall strong base. 

Now lets look at what fast speed athletes use, and thats the Anaerobic system. Anaerobic means without oxygen. (For the anaerobic video, please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqEX1MQXCt8

In the anaerobic system, The lactic acid or anaerobic glycolysis system converts glycogen to glucose.
Then, with enzymes, glucose is broken down anaerobically to produce lactic acid.  this process creates enough energy to reform ATP molecules.  In this process, the pH of the blood becomes more acidic, so this system cannot be relied on for extended periods.  As a result, lactic acid builds up, and with this waste product we get tired.

How do we avoid lactic acid build up?  One way to slow it down is through creatine. Studies show creatine phosphate stored in muscles lead to a lesser dependence on the anaerobic process for the replenishing of muscular ATP! This means less muscular waste products like lactic acid and enables a longer cycle of muscular activity before fatigue and muscular exhaustion.

However, supplements are often unnecessary and not the only route.  You can boost your anaerobic energy supplies in other ways, such as training! Thats what i'm going to cover.

Training the anaerobic energy system will increase your body’s ability to replenish the high energy phosphates used to generate energy.

Now that you are familiar with energy systems, in the next video I will discus proper sprinting technique and then building a good foundation for sprinters.