Explain what ATP is and why it is important for exercise.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)is the fuel for your body (muscles).Although the role of the cardiorespiratory system is to move oxygenated blood throughout the body,it is the heart muscle that does the bulk of the work.All of the muscles,including the heart muscle,receive their energy from ATP.ATP is formed when the foods we eat are broken down (catabolized);the energy that is released is used to manufacture ATP.Catabolism is a metabolic process in which fuels from food (proteins,carbohydrates,and fats)are broken down into simple molecules.These simple molecules can then be oxidized,which releases energy in the form of ATP,the fuel for almost every energy-requiring activity of the body.