Strength Training #2

A little more about endurance versus strength. Muscle are made up of different fibers, two of which are what are called fast twitch and slow twitch.

Fast twitch fibers can exert a great amount of force (needed for muscle strength). However, these fibers lack endurance, they fatigue easily. Just to give you the idea, someone who is a competitive power lifter, can lift a weight so heavy that only 1 rep can be performed.

Slow twitch fibers are those needed for endurance. While these fibers are not capable of exerting a great amount of force, they can sustained repeated contractions over a long period of time. An example of the use of this fiber is the long distance runner, or someone who is lifting a very light weight and can do a very high number of reps.

So the bottom line is to vary your exercise routine - one day use lighter weights and go for endurance. The next time use heavier weights and go for strength.