What is the primary energy system utilized during activities lasting approximately 1 minute?

The primary energy system utilized during activities lasting approximately 1 minute is fast glycolysis. This system, also known as anaerobic glycolysis, is activated when the demand for energy is high, but not so extreme that the shorter-duration phosphagen system can sustain it. During activities of around 30 seconds to about 2 minutes, the body primarily relies on this system to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy currency of the cell.

Fast glycolysis involves the breakdown of glucose without the need for oxygen (anaerobic), producing energy quickly to meet immediate demands. While it generates ATP relatively quickly compared to the aerobic system, it also leads to the accumulation of lactate, contributing to fatigue after sustained efforts beyond this timeframe.

In contrast, the aerobic system primarily kicks in for longer-duration activities, providing a more sustainable energy source but with a slower rate of ATP production. The phosphagen system operates effectively for very short bursts of activity, typically lasting up to about 10 seconds, while the oxidative system is utilized for prolonged activities that require endurance, solidified in the realm of activities exceeding 2 minutes. Therefore, for activities near the 1-minute mark, fast glycolysis is the key player for energy supply.