Three Energy Systems in the Body

This lesson explores how the body produces energy through three different systems - the ATP-PC system, the glycolytic system, and the oxidative system. Students connect these systems to physical activities such as sprinting, weightlifting, and endurance exercise.

1. Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a physical activity type (e.g., sprinting, endurance running, weightlifting).
2. Have groups perform their activity for a set time using exercise equipment or bodyweight exercises, timing their performance with a stopwatch.
3. Each group reflects on which energy system(s) were dominant during their activity and why.

📄 3 Energy Systems - PE Buddy: https://www.onlinepebuddy.com/post/lesson-plan-3-energy-systems

• Replace exercise equipment with bodyweight movements (push-ups, burpees, jump squats, running in place).
• Use real sports scenarios (soccer sprint vs. marathon pace) and have students analyze energy demands without doing the activity.
• Have students design a training plan that targets one specific energy system.

• Ensure students warm up before exercise to reduce injury risk.
• Supervise equipment use carefully, especially treadmills or weights.
• Adapt activities for students with medical conditions or lower fitness levels.
• Provide hydration breaks to avoid overheating.

• Which energy system provides energy the fastest? (ATP-PC system, but only for a few seconds.)
• Why does the glycolytic system cause fatigue quickly? (Because it produces lactic acid as a byproduct.)
• Which energy system is most important for long-distance running? (The oxidative system, as it provides sustained ATP production.)
• Can multiple energy systems work at once? (Yes, systems overlap, but one is usually dominant depending on activity intensity and duration.)
• How could understanding energy systems help athletes train more effectively? (By tailoring workouts to improve the system most used in their sport.)