During exercise, how is glucose stored as glycogen utilized?

During exercise, glucose stored as glycogen is utilized more effectively than at rest due to the body's increased demand for energy. During physical activity, particularly high-intensity exercise, the muscles require a significant amount of energy, which primarily comes from glycogen stores. As exercise intensity increases, the body shifts its energy production towards anaerobic pathways, where glycogen is quickly broken down into glucose and utilized for immediate energy needs.

The hormonal response during exercise, marked by increased levels of epinephrine and glucagon, promotes the breakdown of glycogen (glycogenolysis) to supply the muscles with glucose. This is essential for sustaining energy levels during prolonged or intense exercise, making the process highly efficient compared to resting conditions, where energy demands are lower and glycogen is used more sparingly.

This more effective utilization of glycogen during exercise contrasts sharply with the other options, which do not accurately represent how glycogen is processed and used in the body under physical stress.