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Its generally accepted that Muscle fiber groups can be broken down into two groups, Slow twitch (type 1) and Fast twitch (type 2). Fast twitch muscle fibers can be broken down further into sub groups but for todays discussion we are going to talk about just slow and fast twitch fibers. These distinctions seem to influence how the muscles respond to certain types of training. Human muscles contain roughly a 50/50 split of slow and fast twitch muscle fibers in most of the muscles that are used for movement. SLow twitch (type 1) muscle fibers are efficient at using oxygen to generate more fuel (known as ATP) for continuous, extended muscle contractions over a long time. They fire more slowly than fast twitch muscle fibers and can go for a long time before they fatigue. Think of them as a long distance runner who seems to be able to run and run before getting tired thats an example of slow twitch. Because Fast Twitch fibers use anaerobic metabolism to create fuel, they are much better at generating short burst of strength and speed than slow muscles. However they fatigue much quicker than the slow twitch fiber would, they generate the same amount of force and strength as slow twtich fibers but tire much quicker which led to their name Fast twitch. Think of it this way if your a sprinter you'd want more out of your Fast twitch muscle group than your slow twitch group because you need the speed now.
Now for training purposes it would make sense to want to tire and build both of these muscle fibers for an all around quality muscle growth. How can we do this?? Well there is still raging debate as to what is the best method but it would seem to make sense to train in two different fashions in order to hit both groups. Short intense workouts (perhaps doing nothing but suspersets with limited rest) for no more than 30 minutes to try and tax the Fast twitch fibers. And your standard 45 minute to an hour workout of controlled lifting with plenty of rest for the overall slow twitch. I would venture to guess that if you try an incorporate both of these styles on a regular basis you are doing your best to insure overall muscle growth
Now for training purposes it would make sense to want to tire and build both of these muscle fibers for an all around quality muscle growth. How can we do this?? Well there is still raging debate as to what is the best method but it would seem to make sense to train in two different fashions in order to hit both groups. Short intense workouts (perhaps doing nothing but suspersets with limited rest) for no more than 30 minutes to try and tax the Fast twitch fibers. And your standard 45 minute to an hour workout of controlled lifting with plenty of rest for the overall slow twitch. I would venture to guess that if you try an incorporate both of these styles on a regular basis you are doing your best to insure overall muscle growth
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