Carbohydrates

Question
Hello cajun!
Im currently studying a vtct in sports therapy and would be very grateful if you could help me with a few questions on carbohydrates that i need to know to complete my assignment.
When are we more likely to use carbs as fuel i know its a longer duration of exercise but im not sure if its at a low or high intensity.
What effect would a aerobic training programme alter the way we use fuel for energy and how does the body breakdown carbohydrate foods?
I would be very grateful for your help,
many thanks nikki

Answer
Hi Nikki,
First, how we process carbs depend upon our metabolic rate.
But generally, intensity and duration both affect it. If you work out at 75 mhr for an hour one day, and an hour and a half the next, obviously you will burn more calories than the one hour session. The lower the duration, the higher the intensity. The higher the duration, the lower the intensity.
That is the general rule.

Aerobic training is good for mitochondria exchange. That is oxygenation throughout the muscles. As you know, you have slow twitch and fast twitch muscles. The more mitochondria you have exchanged for oxygen in your muscles, the longer you will be able to work out. Therefore, aerobic positively effects the workout program based on length of workout. The intensity is altered in aerobic training by working muscles that have little mitochondria exchange (oxygenation).

Carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars and stored for fat. They are either stored in the muscles, the liver or immediately used for energy.

If you need any further information, please feel free to ask.

Sincerely,
Zachory L. Cook
CPT/CFI,CSN,CSFI
International Fitness Association (IFA)
Certified Instructor Number (CIN): 209967

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