We’re five weeks away from Uzbekistan. How are you feeling? We hope you’re building up your energy levels to be at the top of your game in November.
Wondering how your body creates and maintains constant energy? Our partner would like to talk to you about ‘mitochondria’.
Mitochondria are tiny compartments located within the cell. They’re often known as the ‘powerhouse of the cell’ because they play a crucial role in generating energy to power your body. Without mitochondria, the cell can’t function properly – and nor can you. You’d struggle to run, train or fight, and that’s simply not an option for a competitive athlete.
Mitochondria are also involved in your metabolism. This is a process by which your body breaks down molecules to convert nutrients into energy and waste products. Specifically, mitochondria are tasked with transforming complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing the energy you need to think, move and perform.
Fit mitochondria are crucial when exercising. But to have fit mitochondria, you must have fit cells too. With the help of our partner, it will all come together for you soon, and your mitochondria can receive the elements they need to work to their full effect.
Are you a female athlete? Read ahead to learn a thing or two about mitochondria that’s specific to you, including how – potentially – your performance can be affected.
Each cell contains thousands of mitochondria. The likes of muscle, liver, heart and brain cells require plenty of energy, meaning they tend to have the largest number of mitochondria in the body. This is common knowledge to sports scientists. But with its deep-rooted focus on the male body, sports science has less emphasised the specifics of how mitochondria work uniquely in women.
Every month, it’s the egg that carries out the most energy-demanding tasks – and therefore, it’s the richest in mitochondria.
You probably know that menstrual irregularity (MI) is a common challenge facing female athletes. Specifically, dysmenorrhea – which indicates the moderate to severe pain caused by menstrual periods – affects one athlete in three.
MI is a prevalent issue in women during times of intense physical activity or when the energy used for exercise exceeds the energy stored. Why? Because in these situations, the brain prioritises survival over fertility and redistributes mitochondrial reserves from the ovaries to the muscles, heart and brain.
Our partner is dedicated to addressing the gap and promoting fitness for all athletes. With their cell-focused protocols, as a woman, you can properly support your mitochondrial function, improving your overall cellular and hormonal well-being.
