Exercise Physiology Course

Lesson 1 • Scope and History of the Field

Traces the discipline from early metabolic studies to modern sports science. Contextualizes why exercise physiology matters for health and performance professionals.

Lesson 2 • Cell Biology and Homeostasis

Covers cell structure, membrane transport, and feedback mechanisms that maintain internal balance during exercise. Links cellular function to whole-body responses.

Lesson 3 • Introduction to Bioenergetics

Explains ATP as the universal energy currency and outlines the three metabolic pathways. Sets the stage for detailed energy system analysis in later chapters.

Lesson 1 • Fatigue Mechanisms and Recovery

Analyzes peripheral and central fatigue models and the biochemical events driving performance decline. Guides evidence-based recovery strategy design.

Lesson 2 • Phosphocreatine and Immediate Energy

Examines the ATP-PCr system's capacity, power output, and recovery kinetics. Connects this pathway to high-intensity, short-duration sport performance.

Lesson 3 • Oxidative Metabolism and Fat Utilization

Covers the Krebs cycle, electron transport chain, and beta-oxidation of fatty acids. Relates substrate selection to exercise intensity and duration.

Lesson 4 • Metabolic Rate and Oxygen Consumption

Defines VO2, EPOC, and metabolic equivalents used to quantify exercise intensity. Provides tools for calculating caloric expenditure in applied settings.

Lesson 1 • Sliding Filament and Cross-Bridge Theory

Explains actin-myosin interaction, calcium regulation, and the force-velocity relationship. Provides the mechanical basis for understanding muscle contraction.

Lesson 2 • Neural Adaptations to Resistance Training

Identifies early-phase strength gains driven by neural factors before hypertrophy occurs. Informs programming decisions for novice and advanced trainees.

Lesson 3 • Proprioception and Reflexes

Examines muscle spindles, Golgi tendon organs, and spinal reflex arcs relevant to exercise. Links proprioceptive feedback to injury prevention and movement quality.

Lesson 4 • Muscle Fiber Types and Structure

Describes Type I, IIa, and IIx fibers by contractile and metabolic properties. Connects fiber composition to athletic performance and trainability.

Lesson 1 • Cardiac Output During Exercise

Explains how heart rate and stroke volume combine to meet elevated oxygen demand. Quantifies the cardiovascular response across exercise intensities.

Lesson 2 • Vascular Control and Blood Flow

Covers vasoconstriction, vasodilation, and blood flow redistribution during exercise. Explains how working muscles receive priority perfusion.

Lesson 3 • Cardiac Anatomy and the Cardiac Cycle

Reviews heart chambers, valves, conduction pathways, and pressure-volume loops. Establishes the structural basis for understanding cardiac output regulation.

Lesson 4 • Oxygen Transport and Hemoglobin

Describes the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve and factors shifting it during exercise. Links blood oxygen-carrying capacity to aerobic performance.

Lesson 1 • Pulmonary Mechanics and Lung Volumes

Covers tidal volume, functional residual capacity, and the work of breathing. Provides the structural context for understanding ventilatory responses to exercise.

Lesson 2 • Gas Exchange at the Alveolus

Explains partial pressure gradients, diffusion capacity, and ventilation-perfusion matching. Connects alveolar physiology to arterial oxygen and CO2 levels.

Lesson 3 • Acid-Base Balance and CO2 Transport

Covers bicarbonate buffering, carbonic anhydrase, and respiratory compensation for metabolic acidosis. Links acid-base regulation to exercise tolerance.

Lesson 1 • Anabolic Hormones and Muscle Growth

Covers testosterone, growth hormone, and IGF-1 responses to resistance exercise. Connects hormonal milieu to hypertrophy and recovery outcomes.

Lesson 2 • Catecholamines and Sympathoadrenal Response

Examines epinephrine and norepinephrine release, their metabolic effects, and cardiovascular actions during exercise. Explains the fight-or-flight contribution to performance.

Lesson 3 • Hormonal Regulation Principles

Introduces receptor binding, signal transduction, and feedback loops governing hormone action. Establishes the regulatory framework applied throughout this chapter.

Lesson 4 • Insulin, Glucagon, and Glucose Regulation

Analyzes pancreatic hormone interplay in maintaining blood glucose during prolonged exercise. Informs nutrition strategies for sustained performance.

Lesson 1 • Flexibility and Functional Movement

Introduces goniometry, sit-and-reach tests, and movement screening tools for mobility assessment. Connects flexibility data to injury prevention programming.

Lesson 2 • Body Composition Assessment

Compares skinfold, bioelectrical impedance, DEXA, and hydrostatic weighing methods. Evaluates accuracy, practicality, and appropriate use of each technique.

Lesson 3 • Cardiorespiratory Fitness Testing

Presents maximal and submaximal VO2max protocols, graded exercise tests, and field-based alternatives. Connects test selection to population and equipment availability.

Lesson 4 • Pre-Participation Screening and Safety

Covers health history questionnaires, risk stratification, and contraindications to testing. Ensures students apply appropriate safety protocols before any assessment.

Lesson 1 • Principles of Training Adaptation

Defines overload, specificity, reversibility, and individual variation as foundational training principles. Provides the theoretical basis for all program design decisions.

Lesson 2 • Periodization Models and Planning

Compares linear, undulating, and block periodization structures for long-term planning. Guides students in building annual training plans aligned with competition calendars.

Lesson 3 • Resistance Training Prescription

Applies volume, intensity, frequency, and rest interval manipulation to target strength, hypertrophy, or endurance. Connects acute variables to specific physiological outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Special Populations and Modifications

Adapts exercise prescription for older adults, youth, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic conditions. Applies physiological knowledge to safe, effective programming.