AFAA Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

What is the body's primary energy source during high-intensity exercise?

1. Fat

2. Protein

3. Glucose

4. Vitamins

The correct answer is: Glucose

During high-intensity exercise, the body's primary energy source is glucose. This is because glucose can be rapidly broken down through anaerobic metabolism to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of cells. High-intensity activities, such as sprinting or heavy weightlifting, require quick bursts of energy, and glucose provides this energy more efficiently than fats or proteins in these conditions. Glucose is derived from carbohydrates consumed in the diet, and it is stored in the muscles and liver as glycogen. As exercise intensity increases, the demand for quick energy surges, making glycogen stores a crucial fuel source. In contrast, fats are metabolized at a slower rate and are typically utilized during lower-intensity, longer-duration exercise. Protein can also contribute to energy production, but it is primarily used for repair and muscle maintenance rather than as a primary energy source during high-intensity activities. Vitamins, on the other hand, do not directly provide energy but serve as important co-factors in metabolic processes. Thus, glucose stands out as the most immediately accessible and efficient energy source the body taps into during intense physical activity.