Abduction -- Movement of a limb away from middle axis of the body, such as extending arms outward at shoulder height from a hanging-down position.
Abs -- Slang for abdominal muscles.
Absolute Strength -- Developed through heavy weight training, typically involving above the 80-85% of maximum effort for each lift. Its 3 components are concentric, eccentric and static strength. No ergogenic aids (e.g., drugs, therapies or nutritional products) are used in training for absolute strength, whereas such ergogens are used to acquire limit strength.
1. Concentric strength refers to the one-rep maximum for a movement.
2. Eccentric is the one-rep maximum lowering a weight under control (usually 40% more than concentric).
3. Static is the maximum holding strength in a given position (20% more than concentric).
Acclimation -- A program undertaken to induce acclimatization to new environmental
conditions such as changes in temperature or altitude.
Acclimatization -- The body's gradual adaptation to a changed environment, such as higher
temperatures or lower pressures (from high altitude).
Accommodating Resistance -- A weight training machine which, through the use of air, fluid or clutch plates in tandem with a flywheel, controls the speed with which you are able to move. By controlling speed, the exertion you are able to deliver is always at maximum throughout the entire range of motion of an exercise. This technology is very useful during rehabilitation, when injuries are present, and also in sports training for speed-strength. (See Isokinetic Resistance, Variable Resistance and Constant Resistance.)
Acetyl Coenzyme A -- Acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl CoA) is a chief precursor of lipids. It is formed by an acetyl group attaching itself to coenzyme A (CoA) during the oxidation of amino acids, fatty acids, or pyruvate.
Acid-Base Balance -- The acid-base balance refers to the condition in which the pH of the blood is kept at a constant level of 7.35 to 7.45. The acidity of blood is kept from becoming too acidic or alkaline through respiration, buffers, and work done by the kidney.
Acromegaly -- Acromegaly is a chronic pituitary gland disorder developing in adult life characterized by increased massiveness of the bones, organs and other body parts and elongation and enlargement of the bones.
Actin -- Actin is one of the fibrous protein constituents of the protein complex actomyosin. It is a protein which, when combined with myosin forms actomyosin, the contractile constituent of muscle.
Actomyosin -- Actomyosin is the system involved in muscle contraction and relaxation which is composed of actin and myosin protein filaments.
Acute -- Sudden, short-term, sharp or severe. Cf. chronic
Adaptation -- The adjustment of the body (or mind) to achieve a greater degree of
fitness to its environment. Adaptations are more persistent than an
immediate response to the new stimuli of the environment. Cf. response.
Additives -- Substances other than a foodstuff present in food as a result of production, processing, storage or packaging. Examples: preservatives, coloring, thickeners (gums), excipients and binders.
Adduction -- Movement of a limb toward middle axis of the body. Returning arms to the side from extended position at shoulders.
Adherence -- Sticking to something. Used to describe a person's continuation in an
exercise program. Cf. compliance.
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) -- The body's energizer, an organic compound present in muscle fibers that is broken down through a variety of enzymatic processes. The resultant spark of energy released stimulates hundreds of microscopic filaments within each cell, triggering muscle contraction.
Adipose tissue -- Fat tissue.
Adhesion -- Fibrous tissue holding muscles or other parts together that have been altered or damaged through trauma.
Aerobic activities -- Activities using large muscle groups at moderate intensities that permit
the body to use oxygen to supply energy and to maintain a steady state for
more than a few minutes. Cf. steady state.
Aerobic -- Using oxygen.
Aerobic exercise -- Activities in which oxygen from the blood is required to fuel the energy-producing mechanisms of muscle fibers. Examples are running, cycling and skiing over distance. Aerobic means "with oxygen."
Aerobic endurance -- The ability to continue aerobic activity over a period of time.
Aerobic power -- See maximal oxygen uptake.
Aerobic strength endurance -- Force produced footfall-per footfall (or movement-per-movement) in the face of massive oxygen debt, such as that incurred in long distance training or competition (see cardiovascular/ cardiorespiratory endurance). While many factors contribute to aerobic strength endurance, there are at least 9 critical components:
1. Cardiovascular endurance relates to the efficiency in getting oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood to the working muscles, and "spent" blood back to the heart.
2. Cardiorespiratory endurance involves the efficiency of the "loop" where the blood goes from the heart to the lungs, gets rid of water and carbon dioxide, picks up oxygen, and returns to the heart for delivery to the body.
3. Max VO2 Uptake: Maximum Volume of Oxygen Taken up by the working muscles, expressed in milliliters of oxygen per kilogram of bodyweight per minute (ml/kg/min).
4. Stroke Volume: The volume of blood pushed out of the left ventricle with each beat
5. Ejection Fraction: The percentage of the total volume of blood in the left ventricle that's pushed out with each beat
6. Heart Rate: The number of times your heart beats during each minute.
7. Willingness to endure pain (especially from lactic acid accumulation)
8. Skill (at running, etc.)
9. Total Body Limit Strength: The 8 factors above being equal, the strongest will win
Agonist -- A muscle which directly engages in an action around a joint which has
another muscle that can provide an opposing action (antagonist).
Albumin -- Albumin is a type of simple protein widely distributed throughout the tissues and fluids of plants and animals. Varieties of albumin are found in blood, milk, egg white, wheat, barley and muscle.
Aldosterone -- Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid which functions as the primary electrolyte-regulatory steroid hormone. It is secreted by the adrenal cortex.
Allergen -- A substance that causes an allergy or hypersensitivity.
Alpha Ketoisocaproate (KIC) -- KIC is an alpha-ketoacid of L-leucine. It is well supported in the research literature as a stimulant of lymphocyte blastogenesis and antibody response, and it can also increase muscle growth and decrease fat deposition.
Recently, KIC has been used extensively in fat loss preparations and in high-protein supplements used clinically to retard muscle-wasting.
Amino acids -- The building blocks of protein. There are 24 amino acids, which form countless number of different proteins. They all contain nitrogen, oxygen, carbon and hydrogen.
Amino acids are either essential or nonessential. The "L" isomer of the amino acids has greater biological value, and is distinguished from the "molecular mirror image" isomer which is called the "D" form. Thus, references to the individual amino acids often begin with the prefix "L."
Essential aminos must be derived from food. There are eight of them: L-isoleucine, L-leucine, L-lysine, L-methionine, L-phenylalanine, L-tryptophan, L-threonine, and L-valine. Two others, L-arginine and L-histidine, are essential for children.
Nonessential aminos are manufactured internally in the quantities the body requires. Their names are: L-alanine, L-asparagine, L-aspartic acid, L-citrulline, L-cysteine, L-cystine, L-glutamine, L-glutamic acid, glycine, L-ornithine, L-proline, L-serine, taurine, and L-tyrosine. Some of their roles are:
L-arginine -- An essential amino for prepubescent children, arginine is converted to ornithine in the adult body. It's usually used in supplement form by adults in combination with ornithine (another amino) for growth hormone stimulation, a practice of unproven efficacy.
L-alanine -- An energy producer and regulator of blood sugar.
L-asparagine -- An important factor in the metabolic processes of the nervous system.
L-aspartic acid -- Involved in the conversion of carbohydrates to muscle energy. A building block of immune system immunoglobulins and antibodies.
L-citrulline -- Helps detoxify ammonia, a byproduct of protein metabolism.
L-cysteine -- Performs detoxification duties in combination with L-aspartic acid and L-citrulline. Helps prevent damage from alcohol and cigarette smoke. Stimulates hair growth.
L-cystine -- A major partner in tissue anti-oxidant mechanisms. Contributes to improved healing, diminished pain from inflammation, and strong connective tissue.
L-glutamine -- Lymphocytes and other white blood cells, front-line fighters in the immune system, are strongly dependent on glutamine. Glutamine also helps memory and concentration, and aids in neutralizing the catabolic effects of cortisol which is released upon strenuous exercise.
L-glutamic acid -- An important metabolic factor in energy production, brain function and the immune system. In combination with vitamin B-6, glutamic acid is converted to L-glutamine in the liver, scavenging ammonia in the process.
Glycine -- Vital for the manufacture of amino acids in the body and in the structure of red blood cells. Glucose and creatine phosphate (CP), two substances pivotal to energy production, require glycine in their synthesis process.
L-histidine -- Along with growth hormone and certain other amino acids, vital to tissue growth. Important in the production of red and white blood cells.
L-isoleucine -- One of the three branched chain aminos, so-named because of its branching molecular configuration. The other two are leucine and valine. Together, they are indispensible for muscle growth and recovery. See Branched Chaim Amino Acids (BCAAs).
L-leucine -- See L-isoleucine.
L-lysine -- Low levels can slow down protein synthesis, affecting muscle and connective tissue. Has inhibitory affect against viruses and used in treatment of herpes simplex.
L-ornithine -- see L-arginine.
L-methionine -- Removes poisonous wastes from your liver and assists in the regeneration of liver and kidney tissue.
L-phenylalanine -- Enhances learning, memory and alertness. A major element in the production of collagen, the main fibrous protein tissue in the body. Very useful for pain reduction in its modified D,L,-phenylalanine form.
L-proline -- A major ingredient in the formation of connective tissue.
L-serine -- Important for the production of cellular energy and the formation of acetylcholine, a paramount brain chemical that aids memory and nervous system function.
L-threonine -- One of the amino detoxifiers. Prevents fatty buildup in the liver. Important component of collagen.
L-tryptophan -- Stimulates secretion of serotonin, a brain chemical that has a calming effect on the body. Used in the treatment of insomnia, stress and migraines. This essential amino acid was placed in the "drug" category by the FDA in 1988, an action which rendered virtually all commercially available essential amino acid mixtures worthless. Without any one of the 8 essentials present, none of the others can function.
L-tyrosine -- Important to the function of adrenal, pituitary and thyroid glands. Elevates mood and is used in the treatment of anxiety, depression and insomnia.
L-valine -- See L-isoleucine.
Amino acids are one of the three major sources of energy in the human body, the other two being fatty acids, and monosaccharides such as glucose.
Amino acids are linked together in construction of the body's proteins. Most amino acids are incorporated into proteins which are either structural or regulatory in nature. Structural proteins such as collagen and elastin, make up the muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones. Regulatory proteins, called enzymes, control the function of all of the metabolic pathways within the cells of the body. Some enzymes are general in their activity and help break down food. Class-specific enzymes regulate larger-scale processes.
Ammonia scavengers -- Combinations of certain amino acids (especially glutamic acid in combination with vitamin B-6) and minerals that help remove ammonia from the blood. Ammonia is a toxic by-product of intense training (caused by the breakdown of amino acids for energy) and endurance events which can accumulate to cause severe fatigue.
Anabolic -- Pertaining to the putting together of complex substances from simpler ones, especially to the building of body proteins from amino acids.
Anabolism -- The metabolic processes which build up living body substances, that is, the synthesis of complex substances from simple ones. Example: muscle-building by combining amino acids together. Anabolism uses the available energy generated by catabolic processes to form the chemical bonds which unite the components of increasingly complex molecules. Anabolism is the opposite of catabolism.
Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS) -- A group of synthetic, testosterone-like hormones that promote anabolism, including muscle hypertrophy. Medical uses include promotion of tissue repair in severely debilitated patients, but their use in athletics is illegal in the USA and many other countries, and is considered unethical and therefore banned by almost all international sports governing bodies. Abuse and misuse of this potent class of drugs carry numerous health risks.
Anaerobic exercise -- Short-term activities (usually highly intense) in which muscle fibers derive contractile energy from stored internal compounds without the use of oxygen from the blood. These compounds include ATP, CP and Glycogen. Short bursts of "all-out" effort, such as sprinting or weightlifting are examples of anaerobic activities. Anaerobic activities, then, are activities using muscle groups at high intensities that exceed the body's capacity to use oxygen to supply energy and which create an oxygen debt by using energy produced without oxygen.
Anaerobic means "without oxygen." Cf. oxygen.
Anaerobic Strength Endurance comes principally from the glycolytic pathway. The emphasis is on repetitive muscular capacity such as required in boxing, wrestling, tug-o-war and high repetition training (more than 20 reps) without entering the aerobic phase of muscular energetics, and which involves the development of severe oxygen debt. There are two general types of anaerobic strength endurance:
1. Speed endurance involves maintaining maximum speed over times lower than 3-4 minutes (e.g., 100, 400, 800 meter dashes in track & field).
2. Strength endurance is exerting maximum muscular effort time after time with no appreciable decline in force output. Football linemen display this quality play-after-play for four quarters.
Two other forms of anaerobic strength are limit strength and speed-strength, both of which derive energy from the ATP/CP pathway of muscular energetics.
Anaerobic threshold -- The point where increasing energy demands of exercise cannot be met by the use of oxygen, and an oxygen debt begins to be incurred.
Anatomy -- The science of the structure of the human body.
Anemia - A subnormal number or hemoglobin content of red blood cells caused when
blood loss exceeds blood production. Symptoms may include fatigue, pale
complexion, light headedness, palpitations, and loss of appetite.
Angina -- A gripping, choking, or suffocating pain in the chest (angina pectoris), caused most often by insufficient flow of oxygen to the heart muscle during exercise or excitement. Exercise should stop, and medical attention should be obtained.
Anorexia -- Anorexia is a condition where a person experiences a loss of appetite; it is distinguished from anorexia nervosa (below).
Anorexia Nervosa -- Anorexia nervosa is a psychological and physiological condition (most commonly among young women) characterized by inability or refusal to eat, or an extreme aversion to food, leading to severe weight loss, malnutrition, hormone imbalances, and other potentially life-threatening biological changes.
Antagonist -- A muscle that can provide an opposing action to the action of another muscle (the agonist) around a joint.
Antioxidants -- Certain nutrients, substances and vitamins and minerals that protect against free-radicals, highly unstable molecular fragments unleashed by strenuous exercise, chemicals, polluted air, and other factors, that can cause extensive damage to the body. Free radicals are involved in emphysema, wrinkled skin, cancer, blood clots, damage to cellular components and DNA, as well as muscle pains, cramps, and fatigue, and a host of other ailments and diseases normally associated with ageing.
Free-radical "scavengers" (another term for antioxidants) include vitamins A, C, E, selenium, zinc, many different botanical preparations such as pycnogenol and nordihydroguairetic acid (NDGA), glutathione, superoxide dimutase, and others. (See free radicals.)
Anthropometry -- The science dealing with the measurement (size, weight, proportions) of
the human body.
Aquatics -- Exercise or sports activities in or on the water.
Arrhythmia -- Any abnormal rhythm of the heart beat. Since some causes of arrythmia may
have serious health consequences, exercisers experiencing irregular heart
beats should be referred for medical evaluation.
Arteriosclerosis -- Thickening and hardening of the artery walls by one of several diseases.
Cf. atherosclerosis.
Artery -- Vessel which carries blood away from the heart to the tissues of the body.
Arthritis -- Inflammation of the joints which causes pain, stiffness and limitation of motion. May be symptomatic of a systemic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, which can affect all age groups. Cf. osteoarthritis.
Atherosclerosis -- A very common form of arteriosclerosis, in which the arteries are narrowed
by deposits of cholesterol and other material in the inner walls of the
artery. Cf. arteriosclerosis.
Atrophy -- Withering away, a decrease in size and functional ability of bodily tissues or organs, typically resulting from disuse or disease. Cf. hypertrophy.
ATP -- The organic compound found in muscle which, upon being broken down enzymatically, yields energy for muscle contraction.
ATPase -- The enzyme which acts to split the ATP molecule. Three major isoforms of ATPase exist, and correspond to Type I, Type IIa and Type IIb muscle fibers. ATPase is released from the knobby ends of the cross-bridges located on the myosin myofilaments.
ATP/CP Sports -- Explosive strength sports with movement lasting a second or two at most (examples: shot put, powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, vertical jump).
Abs -- Slang for abdominal muscles.
Absolute Strength -- Developed through heavy weight training, typically involving above the 80-85% of maximum effort for each lift. Its 3 components are concentric, eccentric and static strength. No ergogenic aids (e.g., drugs, therapies or nutritional products) are used in training for absolute strength, whereas such ergogens are used to acquire limit strength.
1. Concentric strength refers to the one-rep maximum for a movement.
2. Eccentric is the one-rep maximum lowering a weight under control (usually 40% more than concentric).
3. Static is the maximum holding strength in a given position (20% more than concentric).
Acclimation -- A program undertaken to induce acclimatization to new environmental
conditions such as changes in temperature or altitude.
Acclimatization -- The body's gradual adaptation to a changed environment, such as higher
temperatures or lower pressures (from high altitude).
Accommodating Resistance -- A weight training machine which, through the use of air, fluid or clutch plates in tandem with a flywheel, controls the speed with which you are able to move. By controlling speed, the exertion you are able to deliver is always at maximum throughout the entire range of motion of an exercise. This technology is very useful during rehabilitation, when injuries are present, and also in sports training for speed-strength. (See Isokinetic Resistance, Variable Resistance and Constant Resistance.)
Acetyl Coenzyme A -- Acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl CoA) is a chief precursor of lipids. It is formed by an acetyl group attaching itself to coenzyme A (CoA) during the oxidation of amino acids, fatty acids, or pyruvate.
Acid-Base Balance -- The acid-base balance refers to the condition in which the pH of the blood is kept at a constant level of 7.35 to 7.45. The acidity of blood is kept from becoming too acidic or alkaline through respiration, buffers, and work done by the kidney.
Acromegaly -- Acromegaly is a chronic pituitary gland disorder developing in adult life characterized by increased massiveness of the bones, organs and other body parts and elongation and enlargement of the bones.
Actin -- Actin is one of the fibrous protein constituents of the protein complex actomyosin. It is a protein which, when combined with myosin forms actomyosin, the contractile constituent of muscle.
Actomyosin -- Actomyosin is the system involved in muscle contraction and relaxation which is composed of actin and myosin protein filaments.
Acute -- Sudden, short-term, sharp or severe. Cf. chronic
Adaptation -- The adjustment of the body (or mind) to achieve a greater degree of
fitness to its environment. Adaptations are more persistent than an
immediate response to the new stimuli of the environment. Cf. response.
Additives -- Substances other than a foodstuff present in food as a result of production, processing, storage or packaging. Examples: preservatives, coloring, thickeners (gums), excipients and binders.
Adduction -- Movement of a limb toward middle axis of the body. Returning arms to the side from extended position at shoulders.
Adherence -- Sticking to something. Used to describe a person's continuation in an
exercise program. Cf. compliance.
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) -- The body's energizer, an organic compound present in muscle fibers that is broken down through a variety of enzymatic processes. The resultant spark of energy released stimulates hundreds of microscopic filaments within each cell, triggering muscle contraction.
Adipose tissue -- Fat tissue.
Adhesion -- Fibrous tissue holding muscles or other parts together that have been altered or damaged through trauma.
Aerobic activities -- Activities using large muscle groups at moderate intensities that permit
the body to use oxygen to supply energy and to maintain a steady state for
more than a few minutes. Cf. steady state.
Aerobic -- Using oxygen.
Aerobic exercise -- Activities in which oxygen from the blood is required to fuel the energy-producing mechanisms of muscle fibers. Examples are running, cycling and skiing over distance. Aerobic means "with oxygen."
Aerobic endurance -- The ability to continue aerobic activity over a period of time.
Aerobic power -- See maximal oxygen uptake.
Aerobic strength endurance -- Force produced footfall-per footfall (or movement-per-movement) in the face of massive oxygen debt, such as that incurred in long distance training or competition (see cardiovascular/ cardiorespiratory endurance). While many factors contribute to aerobic strength endurance, there are at least 9 critical components:
1. Cardiovascular endurance relates to the efficiency in getting oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood to the working muscles, and "spent" blood back to the heart.
2. Cardiorespiratory endurance involves the efficiency of the "loop" where the blood goes from the heart to the lungs, gets rid of water and carbon dioxide, picks up oxygen, and returns to the heart for delivery to the body.
3. Max VO2 Uptake: Maximum Volume of Oxygen Taken up by the working muscles, expressed in milliliters of oxygen per kilogram of bodyweight per minute (ml/kg/min).
4. Stroke Volume: The volume of blood pushed out of the left ventricle with each beat
5. Ejection Fraction: The percentage of the total volume of blood in the left ventricle that's pushed out with each beat
6. Heart Rate: The number of times your heart beats during each minute.
7. Willingness to endure pain (especially from lactic acid accumulation)
8. Skill (at running, etc.)
9. Total Body Limit Strength: The 8 factors above being equal, the strongest will win
Agonist -- A muscle which directly engages in an action around a joint which has
another muscle that can provide an opposing action (antagonist).
Albumin -- Albumin is a type of simple protein widely distributed throughout the tissues and fluids of plants and animals. Varieties of albumin are found in blood, milk, egg white, wheat, barley and muscle.
Aldosterone -- Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid which functions as the primary electrolyte-regulatory steroid hormone. It is secreted by the adrenal cortex.
Allergen -- A substance that causes an allergy or hypersensitivity.
Alpha Ketoisocaproate (KIC) -- KIC is an alpha-ketoacid of L-leucine. It is well supported in the research literature as a stimulant of lymphocyte blastogenesis and antibody response, and it can also increase muscle growth and decrease fat deposition.
Recently, KIC has been used extensively in fat loss preparations and in high-protein supplements used clinically to retard muscle-wasting.
Amino acids -- The building blocks of protein. There are 24 amino acids, which form countless number of different proteins. They all contain nitrogen, oxygen, carbon and hydrogen.
Amino acids are either essential or nonessential. The "L" isomer of the amino acids has greater biological value, and is distinguished from the "molecular mirror image" isomer which is called the "D" form. Thus, references to the individual amino acids often begin with the prefix "L."
Essential aminos must be derived from food. There are eight of them: L-isoleucine, L-leucine, L-lysine, L-methionine, L-phenylalanine, L-tryptophan, L-threonine, and L-valine. Two others, L-arginine and L-histidine, are essential for children.
Nonessential aminos are manufactured internally in the quantities the body requires. Their names are: L-alanine, L-asparagine, L-aspartic acid, L-citrulline, L-cysteine, L-cystine, L-glutamine, L-glutamic acid, glycine, L-ornithine, L-proline, L-serine, taurine, and L-tyrosine. Some of their roles are:
L-arginine -- An essential amino for prepubescent children, arginine is converted to ornithine in the adult body. It's usually used in supplement form by adults in combination with ornithine (another amino) for growth hormone stimulation, a practice of unproven efficacy.
L-alanine -- An energy producer and regulator of blood sugar.
L-asparagine -- An important factor in the metabolic processes of the nervous system.
L-aspartic acid -- Involved in the conversion of carbohydrates to muscle energy. A building block of immune system immunoglobulins and antibodies.
L-citrulline -- Helps detoxify ammonia, a byproduct of protein metabolism.
L-cysteine -- Performs detoxification duties in combination with L-aspartic acid and L-citrulline. Helps prevent damage from alcohol and cigarette smoke. Stimulates hair growth.
L-cystine -- A major partner in tissue anti-oxidant mechanisms. Contributes to improved healing, diminished pain from inflammation, and strong connective tissue.
L-glutamine -- Lymphocytes and other white blood cells, front-line fighters in the immune system, are strongly dependent on glutamine. Glutamine also helps memory and concentration, and aids in neutralizing the catabolic effects of cortisol which is released upon strenuous exercise.
L-glutamic acid -- An important metabolic factor in energy production, brain function and the immune system. In combination with vitamin B-6, glutamic acid is converted to L-glutamine in the liver, scavenging ammonia in the process.
Glycine -- Vital for the manufacture of amino acids in the body and in the structure of red blood cells. Glucose and creatine phosphate (CP), two substances pivotal to energy production, require glycine in their synthesis process.
L-histidine -- Along with growth hormone and certain other amino acids, vital to tissue growth. Important in the production of red and white blood cells.
L-isoleucine -- One of the three branched chain aminos, so-named because of its branching molecular configuration. The other two are leucine and valine. Together, they are indispensible for muscle growth and recovery. See Branched Chaim Amino Acids (BCAAs).
L-leucine -- See L-isoleucine.
L-lysine -- Low levels can slow down protein synthesis, affecting muscle and connective tissue. Has inhibitory affect against viruses and used in treatment of herpes simplex.
L-ornithine -- see L-arginine.
L-methionine -- Removes poisonous wastes from your liver and assists in the regeneration of liver and kidney tissue.
L-phenylalanine -- Enhances learning, memory and alertness. A major element in the production of collagen, the main fibrous protein tissue in the body. Very useful for pain reduction in its modified D,L,-phenylalanine form.
L-proline -- A major ingredient in the formation of connective tissue.
L-serine -- Important for the production of cellular energy and the formation of acetylcholine, a paramount brain chemical that aids memory and nervous system function.
L-threonine -- One of the amino detoxifiers. Prevents fatty buildup in the liver. Important component of collagen.
L-tryptophan -- Stimulates secretion of serotonin, a brain chemical that has a calming effect on the body. Used in the treatment of insomnia, stress and migraines. This essential amino acid was placed in the "drug" category by the FDA in 1988, an action which rendered virtually all commercially available essential amino acid mixtures worthless. Without any one of the 8 essentials present, none of the others can function.
L-tyrosine -- Important to the function of adrenal, pituitary and thyroid glands. Elevates mood and is used in the treatment of anxiety, depression and insomnia.
L-valine -- See L-isoleucine.
Amino acids are one of the three major sources of energy in the human body, the other two being fatty acids, and monosaccharides such as glucose.
Amino acids are linked together in construction of the body's proteins. Most amino acids are incorporated into proteins which are either structural or regulatory in nature. Structural proteins such as collagen and elastin, make up the muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones. Regulatory proteins, called enzymes, control the function of all of the metabolic pathways within the cells of the body. Some enzymes are general in their activity and help break down food. Class-specific enzymes regulate larger-scale processes.
Ammonia scavengers -- Combinations of certain amino acids (especially glutamic acid in combination with vitamin B-6) and minerals that help remove ammonia from the blood. Ammonia is a toxic by-product of intense training (caused by the breakdown of amino acids for energy) and endurance events which can accumulate to cause severe fatigue.
Anabolic -- Pertaining to the putting together of complex substances from simpler ones, especially to the building of body proteins from amino acids.
Anabolism -- The metabolic processes which build up living body substances, that is, the synthesis of complex substances from simple ones. Example: muscle-building by combining amino acids together. Anabolism uses the available energy generated by catabolic processes to form the chemical bonds which unite the components of increasingly complex molecules. Anabolism is the opposite of catabolism.
Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS) -- A group of synthetic, testosterone-like hormones that promote anabolism, including muscle hypertrophy. Medical uses include promotion of tissue repair in severely debilitated patients, but their use in athletics is illegal in the USA and many other countries, and is considered unethical and therefore banned by almost all international sports governing bodies. Abuse and misuse of this potent class of drugs carry numerous health risks.
Anaerobic exercise -- Short-term activities (usually highly intense) in which muscle fibers derive contractile energy from stored internal compounds without the use of oxygen from the blood. These compounds include ATP, CP and Glycogen. Short bursts of "all-out" effort, such as sprinting or weightlifting are examples of anaerobic activities. Anaerobic activities, then, are activities using muscle groups at high intensities that exceed the body's capacity to use oxygen to supply energy and which create an oxygen debt by using energy produced without oxygen.
Anaerobic means "without oxygen." Cf. oxygen.
Anaerobic Strength Endurance comes principally from the glycolytic pathway. The emphasis is on repetitive muscular capacity such as required in boxing, wrestling, tug-o-war and high repetition training (more than 20 reps) without entering the aerobic phase of muscular energetics, and which involves the development of severe oxygen debt. There are two general types of anaerobic strength endurance:
1. Speed endurance involves maintaining maximum speed over times lower than 3-4 minutes (e.g., 100, 400, 800 meter dashes in track & field).
2. Strength endurance is exerting maximum muscular effort time after time with no appreciable decline in force output. Football linemen display this quality play-after-play for four quarters.
Two other forms of anaerobic strength are limit strength and speed-strength, both of which derive energy from the ATP/CP pathway of muscular energetics.
Anaerobic threshold -- The point where increasing energy demands of exercise cannot be met by the use of oxygen, and an oxygen debt begins to be incurred.
Anatomy -- The science of the structure of the human body.
Anemia - A subnormal number or hemoglobin content of red blood cells caused when
blood loss exceeds blood production. Symptoms may include fatigue, pale
complexion, light headedness, palpitations, and loss of appetite.
Angina -- A gripping, choking, or suffocating pain in the chest (angina pectoris), caused most often by insufficient flow of oxygen to the heart muscle during exercise or excitement. Exercise should stop, and medical attention should be obtained.
Anorexia -- Anorexia is a condition where a person experiences a loss of appetite; it is distinguished from anorexia nervosa (below).
Anorexia Nervosa -- Anorexia nervosa is a psychological and physiological condition (most commonly among young women) characterized by inability or refusal to eat, or an extreme aversion to food, leading to severe weight loss, malnutrition, hormone imbalances, and other potentially life-threatening biological changes.
Antagonist -- A muscle that can provide an opposing action to the action of another muscle (the agonist) around a joint.
Antioxidants -- Certain nutrients, substances and vitamins and minerals that protect against free-radicals, highly unstable molecular fragments unleashed by strenuous exercise, chemicals, polluted air, and other factors, that can cause extensive damage to the body. Free radicals are involved in emphysema, wrinkled skin, cancer, blood clots, damage to cellular components and DNA, as well as muscle pains, cramps, and fatigue, and a host of other ailments and diseases normally associated with ageing.
Free-radical "scavengers" (another term for antioxidants) include vitamins A, C, E, selenium, zinc, many different botanical preparations such as pycnogenol and nordihydroguairetic acid (NDGA), glutathione, superoxide dimutase, and others. (See free radicals.)
Anthropometry -- The science dealing with the measurement (size, weight, proportions) of
the human body.
Aquatics -- Exercise or sports activities in or on the water.
Arrhythmia -- Any abnormal rhythm of the heart beat. Since some causes of arrythmia may
have serious health consequences, exercisers experiencing irregular heart
beats should be referred for medical evaluation.
Arteriosclerosis -- Thickening and hardening of the artery walls by one of several diseases.
Cf. atherosclerosis.
Artery -- Vessel which carries blood away from the heart to the tissues of the body.
Arthritis -- Inflammation of the joints which causes pain, stiffness and limitation of motion. May be symptomatic of a systemic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, which can affect all age groups. Cf. osteoarthritis.
Atherosclerosis -- A very common form of arteriosclerosis, in which the arteries are narrowed
by deposits of cholesterol and other material in the inner walls of the
artery. Cf. arteriosclerosis.
Atrophy -- Withering away, a decrease in size and functional ability of bodily tissues or organs, typically resulting from disuse or disease. Cf. hypertrophy.
ATP -- The organic compound found in muscle which, upon being broken down enzymatically, yields energy for muscle contraction.
ATPase -- The enzyme which acts to split the ATP molecule. Three major isoforms of ATPase exist, and correspond to Type I, Type IIa and Type IIb muscle fibers. ATPase is released from the knobby ends of the cross-bridges located on the myosin myofilaments.
ATP/CP Sports -- Explosive strength sports with movement lasting a second or two at most (examples: shot put, powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, vertical jump).
Comment