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Inside our muscles are two different types of fibers: fast twitch and slow twitch.

Athletes running endurance races need more "slow twitch" fibers in their legs. This type of fiber contracts slowly but can be used for a longer period of time. Muscles that contain a high quantity of these slow twitch fibers use a large amount of oxygen and are richly supplied by blood vessels.

If you're an athlete requiring a burst of muscle for a short period of time, you’ll want more "fast twitch" fibers that contract quickly, but tire easily. Sprinters, weightlifters, and shot-putters need shorter bursts of energy, with a greater amount of intensity. Fast twitch fibers do not contain a rich blood supply.

Depending on the location of muscle, there are varying quantities of these two types of fibers. Athletes have rigorous training schedules to maximize the specific type of muscle fiber in the area they need it most.

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about fast and slow twitch muscle fibers, and how you can best use them for athletic training.
• Muscles turn energy into motion. Learn more about how our muscles work!
• More information about fast and slow twitches on the BBC Web site.

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