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Answer:
Some
people do, in fact, react more favorably to
the more short duration, high power anaerobic
exercise (such as sprinting or weight training)
as compared to longer duration, low power aerobic
exercise (such as walking or jogging). The main
reason for this is muscle fiber type.
There
are two main types of fibers in your muscles.
Slow
Twitch: These are also known as Type I muscle
fibers. They are responsible for long-duration,
low-intensity activity such as walking or any
other aerobic activity.
Fast
Twitch: These are known as Type II fibers
(they are divided further into Types IIA and
IIB). They are responsible for short-duration,
high intensity activity. Type IIB fibers are
built for explosive, very short-duration activity
such as Olympic lifts. Type IIA fibers are designed
for more moderate-duration, high-intensity work
such as weight training.
The
difference for the trainer is the ratio of slow
twitch to fast twitch fibers. A marathon runner
may have 80% slow twitch fibers in his or her
legs and, therefore, be an amazing aerobic athlete.
An
athlete such as a sprinter may have 80% fast
twitch muscle fibers in his or her legs and
be an amazing anaerobic athlete. This type of
person would not react favorably to aerobic
exercise due to the high percentage of fast
twitch fibers in their legs. They would tire
quickly because most of their muscle fibers
are designed for short bursts and, most likely,
would lose motivation rapidly.
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