Which energy system should primarily be targeted for high-intensity physical activities lasting approximately 1 minute?

High-intensity physical activities that last approximately 1 minute primarily rely on the fast glycolysis energy system. This system is particularly effective during activities that demand a significant force output over a sustained, relatively short duration. Fast glycolysis can generate energy quickly through the breakdown of carbohydrates, specifically glucose, and it produces energy in the absence of oxygen.

During high-intensity efforts, the demand for energy exceeds what can be provided immediately by the ATP-PCr system, which is limited in duration to about 10 seconds. After this initial phase, fast glycolysis takes over as it can sustain energy production for 30 seconds to about 2 minutes, making it well-suited for activities around the 1-minute mark, such as sprinting or high-intensity interval training.

The aerobic energy system and oxidative phosphorylation, which relies on oxygen to produce ATP, are designed for longer-duration activities and would not provide the rapid energy output required for high-intensity efforts lasting around 1 minute. Thus, fast glycolysis is the most appropriate energy system to target for maximizing performance in such activities.