Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Muscle Fibers

Muscle fibers can be broken down into two main types: slow-twitch (Type I) muscle fibers and fast-twitch (Type II) muscle fibers. The difference in types is influenced by how the muscle responds to training and physical activity. On average, we have about 50 percent slow twitch and 50 percent fast twitch fibers in most of the muscles used for movement.


Skeletal muscle is made up of bundles of individual muscle fibers. Each muscle fiber contains myofibrils, which is made up of strands of actin and myosin proteins that are responsible for contracting and relaxing our muscles. Whether it's crushing long-distance marathons or finishing 100-meter sprints, muscle fiber types have a big influence on our athletic performance. Type II muscle fibers are generally used by athletes who need to be explosive and the quicker they can recruit those fibers, the more power they will be able to generate. This article explains each fiber type in further detail and demonstrates how an athlete can develop their type II muscle fibers.



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