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adenosine triphosphate (ATP)  The main energy currency for cells. ATP energy is used to promote ion pumping, enzyme activity, and muscular contraction.
adenosine diphosphate (ADP)  A breakdown product of ATP. ADP is synthesized into ATP using energy from foodstuffs and a phosphate group (abbreviated Pi).
phosphocreatine (PCr)  A high-energy compound that can be used to re-form ATP. It is used primarily during bursts of activity, such as lifting and jumping.
creatine  An organic (i.e. carbon-containing) molecule in muscle cells that serves as a part of a high-energy compound (termed creatine phosphate or phosphocreatine) capable of synthesizing ATP from ADP.
pyruvic acid  A three-carbon compound formed during glucose metabolism; also called pyruvate.
lactic acid  A three-carbon acid formed during anaerobic cell metabolism; a partial breakdown product of glucose; also called lactate.
carbohydrate loading  A process in which a very high carbohydrate intake is consumed for 6 days before an athletic event while tapering exercise duration in an attempt to increase muscle glycogen stores.
stress fracture  A fracture that occurs from repeated jarring of a bone. Common sites include bones of the foot.
heat exhaustion  The first stage of heat-related illness that occurs because of depletion of blood volume from fluid loss by the body. This increases body temperature and can lead to headache, dizziness, muscle weakness, and visual disturbances, among other effects.
heat cramps  A frequent complication of heat exhaustion. They usually occur in people who have experienced large sweat losses from exercising for several hours in a hot climate and have consumed a large volume of water. The cramps occur in skeletal muscles and consist of contractions for 1 to 3 minutes at a time.
heatstroke  Heatstroke can occur when internal body temperature reaches 104°F. Sweating generally ceases if left untreated, and blood circulation is greatly reduced. Nervous system damage may ensue, and death is likely. Often the skin of individuals who suffer heatstroke is hot and dry.
ergogenic  Work-producing. An ergogenic aid is a mechanical, nutritional, psychological, pharmacological, or physiological substance or treatment that is intended to directly improve exercise performance.







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