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Ph

Scientific Foundations

Exercise Physiology

What happens inside the body during and after exercise — from cross-bridges in a single muscle fibre to whole-body oxygen delivery.

15 topics15 available ≈ 4 h 3 min study time IntermediateBeginnerAdvanced

What you will understand

Explain how muscle produces force and why contraction type matters
Describe the three energy systems and how they interact
Interpret cardiac output, VO₂ max, lactate threshold and intensity zones

Related subjects

Human Anatomy Sports Nutrition Strength & Conditioning Hybrid Training

Recommended order

Work through the modules top to bottom. Lessons marked “Linked lesson” are taught once in another subject and shared here.

Modules

1. Muscle Physiology 4 topics

Muscle physiology: excitation–contraction and the sliding filament model Intermediate Published

Concentric, eccentric and isometric muscle actions Beginner Published

Motor units, recruitment and rate coding Intermediate Published

Neuromuscular adaptations to training Advanced Published

2. Energy Systems 4 topics

Energy systems overview: how the body makes ATP Beginner Published

The ATP-PC (phosphagen) system Intermediate Published

Anaerobic glycolysis and lactate Intermediate Published

The aerobic oxidative system Intermediate Published

3. Cardiovascular Physiology 3 topics

Heart anatomy and the cardiac cycle Intermediate Published

Stroke volume, heart rate and cardiac output Intermediate Published

Blood components and oxygen transport Intermediate Published

4. Aerobic Fitness and Intensity 4 topics

Aerobic fitness concepts and adaptations Beginner Published

VO₂ max Intermediate Published

Lactate threshold Advanced Published

Heart rate zones and RPE-based intensity control Beginner Published

Featured video lessons

Muscle physiology: excitation–contraction and the sliding filament model

Muscles: muscle cells and the sliding filament model (overview)

Crash Course · needs verification

Muscle physiology: excitation–contraction and the sliding filament model

Excitation–contraction coupling, step by step

Ninja Nerd · needs verification

Muscle physiology: excitation–contraction and the sliding filament model

Length–tension relationship and exercise

Physiotutors · needs verification

Concentric, eccentric and isometric muscle actions

Concentric vs eccentric vs isometric contractions (overview)

Physiotutors · needs verification