The magical results of Lagree Fitness have a lot to do with slow twitch muscle fibers. Success on the patented, exclusive Megaformer is actually based on science: biology and chemistry. We hear trainers preach about activating slow twitch muscle fibers in every class. But, what are slow twitch muscle fibers and why do we rave about them at Studio Physique?
Our muscle tissue consists of fibers (cells) that are highly specialized for the active generation of force for our muscle contraction. Skeletal muscle fibers can be broken down into two main types: slow twitch (Type I) muscle fibers and fast twitch (Type II) muscle fibers.The fast twitch muscle fibers are responsible for giving the body its speed, agility, quickness, and power. Slow twitch muscle fibers rely on oxygen and fatty acids to produce energy.
Slow twitch muscle fibers are smaller, generate less force and have a smaller growth potential than the fast twitch muscle fibers. But, slow twitch muscle fibers are extremely resistant to fatigue. Slow-twitch muscle fibers use oxygen to help create adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the chemical that actually fuels muscle contractions. The more slow twitch muscle fibers you build, the more fat you burn and the more long, lean muscle tone you see. Movements or exercises that require muscular endurance use more slow twitch fibers than fast.
Studio Physique uses the Lagree Fitness Method to target fast AND slow twitch muscle fibers. We love the intense series of lunges, squats, crunches and arm exercises on the exclusive Megaformer. We target as many muscle fibers as we can in every full body move with constant tension and controlled repetitions. It’s about muscle over momentum. We train our bodies at Studio Physique to torch fat and burn major calories as we strengthen, lengthen and tone our muscles. Building the slow twitch muscle fibers generates a more effective metabolic boost. This leads to quick, visible results which means SP members look and feel energized and strong!
So, thank you slow (& fast) twitch muscle fibers.
Ashley has been a Studio Physique trainer since December 2016. When she’s not teaching or taking class at SP, Ashley’s a Vascular ICU nurse. Click on “Staff” to read more about Ashley.
To read more about slow twitch and fast twitch muscle fibers, check out this article from the American Council on Exercise: