Slow Twitch, Fast Twitch for Dummies

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.