Muscle fibre typology and the individual responses to training - a podcast by Damian Ruse

Where do you fall in the common road cyclist categories? Are you a climber, a sprinter, a time trialist, a rouleur, a sandbagger...

If you didn’t know, part of these categories is a loose translation of your predominant muscle fibre type. This used to be thought of as two distinct categories: slow-twitch and fast-twitch. The truth is muscle fibres exist on a continuum between explosive but easily fatigable and slower but more fatigue-resistant.

Why does this matter? Well, a new group of studies has found a new way to assess, classify and use your individual muscle fibre typology to help you to know which cycling discipline to focus on and also help you individualize your training sessions and loading.

Because what we’re seeing now is the confirmation that the exact same workout can have drastically different impacts on two riders because of their athlete types. And that’s an exciting step in the future of training personalisation. 

Find more cycling podcasts and information on our coaching and aero services at semiprocycling.com.

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