Which statement best explains energy provision in a 90-second gymnastic event?

• A. Anaerobic energy from lactic system
• B. Aerobic energy from fats
• C. Predominantly anaerobic energy from ATP-PC and glycolysis
• D. Energy from oxidative phosphorylation throughout

Answer: (C)

For a 90-second gymnastic routine, the body needs a high rate of ATP production to sustain powerful movements, so it relies mainly on anaerobic energy systems. The immediate ATP-PC system provides quick energy at the start, but its stores are exhausted within seconds. As the effort continues past that initial burst, anaerobic glycolysis kicks in to supply most of the ATP without relying on oxygen, even though it produces lactate and leads to fatigue. The aerobic system does contribute some energy, but it cannot match the rapid ATP output required for a sustained 90 seconds of high-intensity work, and fats as a fuel are too slow to meet these demands. Thus, the best explanation is that energy comes predominantly from anaerobic pathways—ATP-PC and glycolysis—which align with the demand for rapid, high-power output over this duration.