Anatomy and Physiology
The Musculoskeletal System
In this page we provide an overview of the musculoskeletal system, its function, and the key anatomical terms associated with it
The Skeletal System
In this page we look at the major components and functions of the system that gives each and every one of us our 'structure'
Joint Actions & Planes of Movement
A useful reference page here for all you personal trainers, all the anatomical joint actions and the three movement planes are explained here
Joints Types, Protection & Location
To protect your personal training clients from injury you must understand the anatomy of synovial joints and the type and degree of movement available at each joint. Refresh your knowledge here...
The Muscular System
Muscle does alot more than just shorten to create movmement! Read this page for an overview of the numerous functions of this amazing tissue.
Skeletal Muscle – Anatomy and Fibre Types
To optimise your clients results your must understand how the different muscle fibres behave so you can prescribe training accordingly. Read this page to understand skeletal muscle from a 'microscopic perspective'
The Physiology of Skeletal Muscle Contraction
In this page we look at the physiology behind muscular contraction and what causes a contraction to cease. Low and behold one simple mineral is really quite critical...
Force, Velocity and Power
If you're training your clients for optimal strength or power gains you must understand how these components differ and how force is regulated. The answers are all right here for you.
Muscle Roles and Contraction Types
Concentric, eccentric and isometric? Agonist, antagonist, synergist and fixator? If you want to know what these terms mean in 'plain english' then it is all revealed right here.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may well find the answer to nagging question that relates to the musculoskeletal system here. If you dont feel free to ask us a question and we'll add it here (if we can find the answer that is...)
Muscle Charts of the Human Body
For your reference value these charts show the major superficial and deep muscles of the human body.
Key Muscle Locations and Movements
Use this page to find the attachments (origin and insertion), and movements created by the major muscles of the human body
Muscle Spindles and the Stretch Reflex
If you want to effectively stretch your personal training clients or help them to develop more power then you must understand how the muscle spindle and stretch reflex work. Read here to refresh your understanding.
Nervous System: Anatomy and Function
Read this page and discover how the nervous system controls everything we do - with significant implications for exercise instruction.
Understanding Nerves and Neurons
Nerves and neurons are the 'wiring' that allow the nervous system to control everything we do. Read this page and get yourself 'wired in'.
The Endocrine System
To ensure your clients adapt to exercise in the way they desire you must understand how hormones govern those adaptations. Here it is then; the endocrine system explained.
Major Hormones and Functions
These tables provide a brief summary of the functions and responses of the major hormones in relation to exercise.
The Respiratory System
The ability to utilise oxygen is vital for all types of performance. On this page we provide an overview of the system that governs oxygen intake and the four distinct stages of 'respiration'.
Pulmonary Ventilation
In 'lay' terms pulmonary ventilation is quite simply - breathing! Learn about the process and the key diaphragm muscle on this page.
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Commonly known as external respiration this refers to the process of gas exchange between the lungs and 'external' environment. Read this page and find out how it all happens and why our blood is sometimes referred to as 'blue'.
Respiratory Gas Transport
Read this page to see how the respiratory and cardiovascular systems work in tandem to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide around the body.
Peripheral Gas Exchange
Commonly known as 'internal respiration' this refers to the process by which the respiratory gases are exchanged between the blood and the tissues of body. Learn about it all right here.
The Cardiovascular System: An Overview
Here's an overview of the cardiovascular system, its functions and some terms that you may need to refresh your knowledge of..
Major Functions of the Cardiovascular System
On this page we take a closer look at the four major functions of the cardiovascualr system - transportation, protection, fluid balance and thermoregulation.
The Human Heart
Our own in-build mechanical pump that works 24/7 without taking a break! Check this page out to discover how this amazing organ works.
Blood and Blood Vessels
Blood - the fluid of life! Learn all about blood and how the structure of blood vessels assists the transportation of gases and nutrients around the body.
Cardiac Output and Blood Pressure
Read this page to refresh (or learn) why blood pressure is such an important measure for trainers to understand and take accurate measurements of.
Physiological Responses and Adaptations
Here's an overview of the immediate responses and longer term adaptations of the body in response to different types of exercise. To achieve the desired adaptation you must choose the ideal training type - simple really, and explained right here.
The Heart's Response to Exercise
Read this page to discover how the heart responds to different types and intensities of exercise. Vital knowledge for every personal trainer.
Vascular responses to exercise
This page looks at how blood flow, acidity and pressure respond to different types and intensities of exercise. Read this page to understand the critical implications for your clients safety.
Respiratory Responses to Exercise
This page covers everything you need to know about how the respiratory system's responses to different types and intensities of exercises. Also covered are cool terms such as 'EPOC', VO2max and Oxygen debt...
Body Temperature Responses to Exercise
Learn what types of exercise you should be most wary of for creating heat stress in your personal training clients by reading this page.
Cardiovascular Adaptations to Exercise
Muscle tissue adapts to the demands placed upon it - on this page you'll learn what types of training produce the most significant adaptations in the muscles of the heart and blood vessels
Respiratory System Adaptations to Exercise
This page highlights the specific adaptations made by the respiratory system in reponse to the types of training that place the greatest demand on this system.
Neuromuscular Adaptations to Exercise
Some of the most significant and undervalued adaptations to exercise occur in the neuromuscular system. Learn what types of training produce the most significant adaptations here.
Skeletal Adaptations to Exercise
A short but by no means insignificant page to read here with a very clear message for all personal trainers.
Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise
Your clients should always make progress in their training. That progress is often determined by the metabolic adaptations the body makes. Learn what adaptations to expect from different types of training by reading here.
Body Composition Adaptations to Exercise
The majority of personal training clients train to alter their body composition - there is a very simple, clear message on this page with specific regard to clients wanting weight/fat loss.
Warm-ups, Cool-downs and Flexibility Training
Generally the first most neglected parts of any exercise programme! Read this page to understand the significance of what you and your clients may well be missing out on.
Energy Systems in Action
'Failure' during exercise is usually due to energy system fatigue. Read this page for an overview of the three human energy systems and how they 'fuel' different activites
ATP – Energy's Ultimate Form!
Every single thing you do depends on your bodies ability to produce ATP. Learn all about this fascinating molecule of energy by reading this page.
The ATP-PC System
If you train any of your clients at high intensity you must understand how this energy system works. Here's a short(ish) explanation...
The Aerobic System
The aerobic system accesses a massive store of virtually unlimited energy. On this page you'll learn how this system will keep you chugging along forever without ever letting you get out of 2nd gear!
The Anaerobic Glycolytic System (fast glycolysis)
Learn all about the energy system that 'burns' right here. The 'burn' isn't lactic acid by the way. Lactic acid is only produced by cows, so be wary of anyone that tells you your 'burn' is due to a lactic acid build-up. It isn't!
