Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred source of energy during a tennis match. They play different roles depending on their form. Carbohydrates are the ideal form of energy during anaerobic metabolism (short duration/high intensity activities; e.g. 100m sprint). At the molecular level a carbohydrate atom consists of: 6 carbon (C) molecules 12 hydrogen (H) molecules 6…
Category: Exercise Physiology
The Role of Nutrients in Sports
Understanding the role of nutrients in sports is important since nutrients are fuel for energy systems and having more energy aids in optimizing performance on the court. The body uses nutrients to grow, restore body tissue, and provide energy to perform work. The body requires some nutrients in large quantities, called macronutrients, and other nutrients…
Cell Structure & Function
Conceptually, a cell can be thought of as a factory that can produce (synthesize) various compounds to ensure that the body operates properly. A single cell can be divided into three parts: cell (or plasma) membrane nucleus cytoplasm Cell Membrane: The cell membrane is semipermeable, which means that certain substances can enter the cell but…
Exercise Physiology: Study of Body Changes Due to Exercise
Exercise physiology can be defined as the scientific study of what is happening inside the body due to exercise (physical activity). More specifically, exercise physiology is the study of cued-responses to exercise and the adaptations that occur with training; a short-term change is called a response and a long-term change causing a relatively permanent change…
How the Body Controls Its Internal Environment
A competitive tennis match or working out hard in the gym can pose a challenge to various of the body’s control systems since exercise increases metabolic demands (e.g. lactic acid build up) thereby challenging homeostasis. Therefore, if one understands how things are being processed inside the body then one can understand what needs to be…
How Sports Nutrition Can Impact Your Performance
You should have a solid understanding of how sports nutrition impacts your performance on the court so you can make choices you are confident in. What you should eat and drink depends to a large extend what you believe in – for example, are you a vegan or do you prefer a nice burger? Reality…
How Sugar Increases Fat Storage
Sugar increases fat storage when glycogen stores are full and carbohydrates are still available! Don’t you wonder why you store fat even though you consume foods that are fat free (e.g. jelly beans)? So how can jelly beans, for instance, increase fat storage? The answer is simple: excess carbohydrates provided by your diet are stored as…