Phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (P-31 NMR) has been used to assess dynamic aspects of the metabolism of phosphorus-containing compounds in intact cells, organs, and animals. This review describes the NMR experiment and the kinds of information the P-31 NMR spectrum provides for intact, functioning cardiac and skeletal muscles. The P-31 NMR spectrum not only identifies which phosphorus-containing compounds are present in high concentration, namely adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and creatine phosphate, but also provides information about their chemical environment (including pH) and intracellular distribution. The method is quantitative and nondestructive and permits repetitive measurements in an intact functioning organ. For the perfused heart, it is possible to manipulate the chemical and gaseous composition of the perfusate and to define the effects of, for example, ischemia and reperfusion on the metabolism of ATP and creatine phosphate in the same sample. Using saturation-transfer NMR techniques, it is also possible to measure rates of certain reactions, including creatine kinase and adenylate kinase, in the intact cell. NMR can also be used as an imaging modality.