Slow Twitch, Fast Twitch for Dummies
There are
numerous articles regarding slow twitch and fast twitch muscles especially in
talking about getting bigger calves.
This seems to be the most problematic muscle in the body for
bodybuilders and athletes. There are
studies done on both sides of the question of: Is it possible to change the
type of fibers in a muscle with certain training techniques or is it just
genetics? I am faithfully assuming that
it can be done or this blog is completely worthless. If I can’t prove that significant changes to
the calve muscles is possible, then I will be shutting down this blog someday.
Anyways, if you’re
looking for more studies or scientific research on this question then I would
advise you to check out other E-zine Articles or Wikipedia for those answers. This is just to give a dummied down version
of what we’re trying to do in changing these fibers and a brief explanation of
each type.
Type 1 Muscle Fibers (Slow Twitch): These muscle fibers use more of
aerobic energy expenditure (oxygen) and are most common among marathon
runners. The size of these calves tends
to be on the smaller side and is definition is determined somewhat by genetics and
training regimen. In our case, these are
HORRIBLE!!!!!
Type 2, 2a, 2b Muscle Fibers (Fast Twitch):
These muscle
fibers use more of anaerobic energy expenditure (glycogen or muscle sugar) and
are most common among bodybuilders and sprinters. The size of these calves tends to be much
bigger than their pathetic cousins “Type 1”.
Weight training, explosive exercises, and sprinting tend to be the
determining factors in how much of the type 2 fibers you have. Genetics is also huge in this role.
I believe
that changing these fibers is possible and is all in the work ethic you put
into training them. I can thank my
marathon runner father for the great genetics, but I will make sure the next
generation will put Arnold’s calves to shame.
