Energy in Exercise

Study Notes

Stored energy that is waiting to be released
Two types:
- Elastic potential energy (stored in muscles and tendons)
- Gravitational potential energy (stored due to an object's height or position)
Examples in exercise:
- Muscle stretching (elastic potential energy)
- Jumping or climbing (gravitational potential energy)

Energy of motion
The energy of an object or person in motion
Depends on:
- Mass of the object or person
- Velocity of the object or person
Examples in exercise:
- Running or cycling (translational kinetic energy)
- Swimming or rowing (kinetic energy of movement through fluid)
- Lifting weights or resistance training (kinetic energy of muscle contraction)

Note: The conversion between potential and kinetic energy is essential in exercise, as it allows for efficient movement and energy transfer.

Stored energy waiting to be released, has two types:
- Elastic potential energy: stored in muscles and tendons, released when stretched
- Gravitational potential energy: stored due to an object's height or position, released when object falls
Examples of potential energy in exercise:
- Muscle stretching: elastic potential energy is stored and released when muscle returns to normal length
- Jumping or climbing: gravitational potential energy is stored and released as person gains or loses height

Energy of motion: the energy of an object or person in motion
Depends on:
- Mass of the object or person: more massive objects require more energy to move
- Velocity of the object or person: faster objects require more energy to maintain motion
Examples of kinetic energy in exercise:
- Running or cycling: translational kinetic energy is used to propel body forward
- Swimming or rowing: kinetic energy is used to move through fluid (water or air)
- Lifting weights or resistance training: kinetic energy of muscle contraction is used to generate force

Stored energy that can be converted into kinetic energy
Dependent on an object's position or state
Two types:
- Gravitational potential energy (GPE): stored due to an object's height or position
- Elastic potential energy: stored in stretched or compressed materials (e.g., muscles, tendons)
Converted into kinetic energy when muscles contract and joints move in exercise

Energy of motion, dependent on velocity and mass of an object
Two types:
- Translational kinetic energy: energy of an object moving in a straight line
- Rotational kinetic energy: energy of an object rotating around a fixed axis
Generated in exercise when muscles contract and joints move, enabling movement and performance
Highest when movement is at its peak velocity (e.g., during a sprint or jump)