Interplay of the three

energy systems within

Swimming

ATP-PC system(anaerobic)

When a swimmer first pushes off the wall or dives into the pool to commence their race/laps they will be using what’s called the ATP-PC system which lasts for about 10 seconds at maximal intensity exercise. After this initial bout of energy expenditure they will continue to use the ATP-PC system for the next few strokes and then the Lactic Acid system will take over.

Lactic Acid system (anaerobic)

Now that the Lactic Acid system or the Anaerobic Glycolysis system has taken over, the swimmer continues

to be able to push through the exercise for around the next 30

seconds to a minute depending on how high the intensity is, after this time frame the Lactic Acid system

will have also been used until it gets replenished. The aerobic system then takes over as the dominate

energy source.

Aerobic system

The aerobic system never really fully takes over as the swimmer is under water for most of the exercise and only comes up for a quick breath not very often. While the other systems have been exhausted this system is still able to pick up some of the slack through these small breaths, this limited amount of oxygen will usually suffice for the duration of the exercise until recovery can take place.

Preparation and Recovery

For both preparation and the recovery the aerobic system

would be major source of energy.

Replenishing of the systems

The replenishing of the ATP-PC system takes on average 2-3 day to completely recover after being completely used up. The Lactic Acid system takes about a hour to a day to fully

recover, the aerobic system takes around 10 minutes to fully replenish itself.