ENERGY AND THE HUMAN BODY

ENERGY AND THE HUMAN BODY

To be able to sustain the thousands of processes that occur in the human body and sustain life, energy is required. Energy is defined as something with the capacity to perform work.

Energy occurs in a variety of forms. Solar, chemical, heat, light, mechanical and electrical energy are some well known forms. The sun provides solar energy, and in the biological world all energy has the sun as its origin. The body, however, is unable to use solar energy so it gets its energy form chemical sources, from food in the form of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. All these energies originate from plants which do get their energy from the sun, or from animals which eat the plants. As food is broken down in the body, high-energy compounds are synthesized in the body, thus providing the final stage of energy production to allow our bodies to perform work.

The Energy Sequence

Energy can not be created or destroyed and follows this sequence.

• Plants convert solar energy into chemical energy

• Humans get hungry and eat the plants and the animals

• Food is then converted into chemical energy which his in the form of proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

Proteins, carbohydrates at fats are known as macronutrients. Our body breaks these down and change this chemical energy into mechanical energy for synthesis. Electrical energy is also created for the transmission of nerve impulses. Energy is then held in bonds in the substrates of the body.

If we want to utilize that energy, the bonds need to be broken apart. The energy is then stored in special energy carrying molecules called ATP.

The body provides us with the aerobic and anaerobic pathways to provide energy for our various processes.. The rate at which we need energy is the determining factor in which pathway is utilised.

If you consider that the use of energy is like putting petrol in your car, the more the car is driven the more fuel it needs. One of the major challenges is today’s world is not to put in more energy than is expended.

To maintain ones weight, the energy balance needs to be adhered to. Equalise the energy consumed with energy expended and weight is maintained. Increasing energy expenditure through exercise without increasing intake will result in weight loss. Conversely, increasing calorific intake over the energy balance level without increasing energy expended will result in an increase in weight.

Steve has been writing articles for nearly 3 years. Explore his latest website
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Running FOr Beginners

Why do people start a running program and then give up so early in the program? They usually go out too fast, their bodies don’t like it, they get fed up and giving up is the easiest way out. They then complain about running, how it’s “bad for their knees” and the other excuses, and settle back into the comfort of their couch.

I began a running program about 10 months ago, following the Couch to 5K (C25K) plan, It worked well, I’m still running, injury free and up to 15 km runs now.

The lessons I learned from this is that you should begin a running program gradually. Ideally a walk/jog program is the way to go. With this plan, almost anyone should be able to become a runner, running for 5k or 30 minutes within 2 months.

One of the things that a lot of people to is skip ahead in the program, thinking that the early weeks are too easy for them. AVOID THIS! Stick to the program, which will allow your body to gently adapt to the increased aerobic activity and time on your feet. If you need to repeat weeks, that’s ok, but don’t jump ahead.

A good session should last around 20 to 30 minutes, 3 times per week. This is the amount of exercise that is recommended to keep oneself optimally fit. Once you can do 3 times per week, you may want to do more; you’ll get fitter, but remember that rest days are equally as important as work days. As you continue through the program you’ll bones and joints will become stronger and your body fitter.

I recommend running for time rather than distance in the early days, it’s easier, unless of course you have a GPS watch or similar. You’ll likely want one at the end of your 2 month program anyway.

Before the run, take 5 minutes for a brisk warm up walk, and afterwards a 5 minute warm down followed by some stretching of the warm muscles will leave you feeling exhilarated and ready for what the day has to offer.

Since starting on this program my running has come on in leaps and bounds. It’s amazing how the success of the program rubs off onto every other aspect of your life. You become a success, which creates a ‘success mentality’ for every other activity.

I’d recommend you do a search on Google for the C25K program, get into it and reap the benefits. Good Luck!!!

Steve has been writing articles for nearly 3 years. Explore his latest website
over at http://www.babyfurniturecribs4u.com/
which helps people find the best Baby Furniture Cribs and information
they are looking for when making those important baby related purchases.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/running-for-beginners-1518000.html