Following a 12 week continuous training program, athletes are better able to utilise which fuel source at sub maximal levels?

After a 12-week continuous training program, athletes are better able to utilize fat as a fuel source at sub-maximal levels. Here's a step-by-step explanation:

1. During exercise, the body uses two main sources of fuel - carbohydrates and fats. The intensity and duration of exercise determine which of these fuels is predominantly used.

2. At the start of a training program, the body is more likely to use carbohydrates as the main source of energy, especially during high-intensity workouts. This is because carbohydrates are more readily available and can be broken down more quickly than fats.

3. However, as the body adapts to regular exercise over time (like a 12-week training program), it becomes more efficient at using fat as a fuel source. This is particularly true for sub-maximal (moderate intensity) exercise.

4. The reason for this shift is twofold. Firstly, the body's capacity to store carbohydrates is limited, whereas fat stores are virtually unlimited. Secondly, the body becomes more efficient at transporting and breaking down fats for energy as a result of regular training.

5. Therefore, after a 12-week continuous training program, athletes are better able to utilize fat as a fuel source at sub-maximal levels. This allows them to conserve their limited carbohydrate stores for more intense periods of exercise.