The Science of Running
The Magic of Mitochondria Mitocho-what? Mitochondria is found in all aerobic cells. It is essential part of long distance running and the more mitochondria an athlete possesses, the better they will be at endurance performance. Mitochondria is the key ingredient that breaks down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates which happens in the presence of oxygen to create energy for exercise. Why would it matter if it happens in the presence of oxygen? Since endurance running in an aerobic(with oxygen) form of exercise, it is essential to have cells that are able to work in the presence of oxygen.
For more information on mitochondria:
For more information on mitochondria:
Feeling Twitchy?
Usain Bolt is the men's world record holder in the 200 meter dash, clocking in his fastest time of 19.19 in 2009. But what is it that makes Usain so successful? Research now is showing that his talent is likely due to a genetic predisposition. Every person contains a combination of both slow and fast twitch muscles. However, some people have a greater number of one type of muscle than the other which allows them to be more or less successful in certain athletic events. This is why someone who is very successful in shorter distance events is more likely to be less successful in longer distance events and vice versa.
There are two main types of muscle fibers. Slow twitch muscle fibers contract slower than fast twitch, but they can keep going longer. In contrast, fast twitch muscles contract quicker but get tired much easier. Fast twitch muscles get tired quicker because they consume more energy. People contain a combination of both slow and fast twitch muscle fibers. People with a majority of one type of muscle fiber tend to be more athletically dominant in the corresponding type of athletic event. Usain Bolt is likely to have a majority of fast twitch whereas a successful marathon runner would be more likely to have slow twitch.
The amount of fast and slow twitch fibers does not guarantee a first place finish in a race. Although a person who has more fast twitch fibers would be more likely to win a 100 meter dash, training also comes into play.
Usain Bolt is the men's world record holder in the 200 meter dash, clocking in his fastest time of 19.19 in 2009. But what is it that makes Usain so successful? Research now is showing that his talent is likely due to a genetic predisposition. Every person contains a combination of both slow and fast twitch muscles. However, some people have a greater number of one type of muscle than the other which allows them to be more or less successful in certain athletic events. This is why someone who is very successful in shorter distance events is more likely to be less successful in longer distance events and vice versa.
There are two main types of muscle fibers. Slow twitch muscle fibers contract slower than fast twitch, but they can keep going longer. In contrast, fast twitch muscles contract quicker but get tired much easier. Fast twitch muscles get tired quicker because they consume more energy. People contain a combination of both slow and fast twitch muscle fibers. People with a majority of one type of muscle fiber tend to be more athletically dominant in the corresponding type of athletic event. Usain Bolt is likely to have a majority of fast twitch whereas a successful marathon runner would be more likely to have slow twitch.
The amount of fast and slow twitch fibers does not guarantee a first place finish in a race. Although a person who has more fast twitch fibers would be more likely to win a 100 meter dash, training also comes into play.
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Ouch!
Ever wonder why you feel sore after working out but it doesn't hit you until a day or two after exercising? This is a normal occurrence which happens when working out muscle groups that are not normally used.
Should you work out with sore muscles? Yes and no. When muscles are sore they need to be rested in order to recover and rebuild, but after a few days it is important to keep strengthening them in order to see the effects.
Ever wonder why you feel sore after working out but it doesn't hit you until a day or two after exercising? This is a normal occurrence which happens when working out muscle groups that are not normally used.
Should you work out with sore muscles? Yes and no. When muscles are sore they need to be rested in order to recover and rebuild, but after a few days it is important to keep strengthening them in order to see the effects.