Definition:
Muscle fibers exist in two basic forms: slow and fast twitch. They're also known as red and white, or type 1 and type 2. Muscle fibers are elongated muscle cells.
Fast twitch (white or type 2) fibers are dominant in sprinters and power athletes, and slow twitch (red or type 1) fibers dominate in endurance athletes.
Slow fibers have a better ability to endure because they are resistant to fatigue and contract slowly.
Fast fibers are the opposite -- they contract explosively but endure for a much shorter time.
Also Known As:
Red fibers = slow fibers = type 1. White fibers = fast fibers = type 2.
Examples:
In sprinting and weight training, type 2 muscle fibers are the dominant muscle fiber type recruited in muscle contraction.
