Are you a sprinter or long distance runner? Can you be good in both? This will depend upon your muscle fibre type. Today we are going to discuss about the type of muscle fibres.
Skeletal muscle is made up of bundles of individual muscle fibres called myocytes. Each myocyte contains number of myofibrils which are strands of protein that can grab on to each other & pull. This causes muscle contraction. There are two types of muscle fibres: slow twitch(type 1) & fast twitch( type 2). Fast twitch can further be classified into type 2a & type 2b.
The above mentioned distinctions influence how your react to physical training & activity & each fibre is unique in its ability to contract in a certain way. Human muscles contains genetic mixture of both slow & fast fibre types.
What are slow twitch muscle fibre types( type 1)?
Slow twitch muscle fibres are far more efficient in utilizing oxygen to generate more adenosine triphosphate (ATP) fuel that supports muscle contraction for a longer period of time. This type of muscle fibre can go a long time before they fatigue. Therefore, these types of fibres help athletes run marathon for hours.
What are fast twitch muscle fibre types(type 2)?
Fast twitch uses anaerobic metabolism to generate fuel & hence are more efficient at generating fast bursts of strength/speed than slow muscles. It generates the same amount of strength per contraction as slow muscles however it fires more rapidly. These types of muscles help sprinters since they need to generate force quickly.
Fast twitch muscle fibre type 2(a) uses both aerobic & anaerobic metabolism to generate energy & there is also called as intermediate fast. This is combination of both type1 & type 2 muscles.
Fast twitch muscle fibre type 2(b) uses anaerobic metabolism & generates force/strength quickly. Although this has a high rate of contraction, it also fatigue quickly so it can’t last long before it needs rest.
Your muscle fibre type will help you determine which sports you are good at or whether you are fast or strong. Athletes tend to fall in sports in line with their genetic makeup. It is important to note that fibre is an important part of success. However, it is not the only factor for sportsman’s success. Nutrition, hydration, mental preparedness & rest are equally important.
All muscle groups consists of 50% slow twitch & 50% fast twitch. Lower body tend to have more slow twitch muscle. Some people have more of one type of fibres. When you are performing an exercise, your body tends to use slow twitch fibre first followed by fast twitch fibres. As you reach maximum effort, your body uses all types of fibres. Therefore you can train your muscles according to activity. If you want to train both fibres, you will indulge in both aerobic & anaerobic workout.
