Muscle Fiber Types: Fast Twitch Muscle Fiber and Slow Twitch Muscle Fiber

 

1. Slow Twitch

Muscles that are associated with aerobic work are called slow twitch. These are the muscles working when we do the simpler yoga poses. Small force is produced over a sustained period. It is suited for endurance activities such as running marathons.

1. Fast Twitch

These fibres are associated with anaerobic activity. They are used when we perform high intensity activity which is sustained for shorter periods such as sprinting. The lactic acid build up from these activities means they cannot be sustained for a long time. 

1) Fast oxidative glycolytic fibres

These are more resistant to fatigue that fast glycolytic fibres.

2) Fast glycolytic fibres

These fibres generate the largest amount of force and have the greatest anaerobic capacity.