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I work out at the gym at least three days a week. I notice some people doing the exercise as fast as possible. Others move through each motion as slow as possible. Which is better?

Each method has a purpose. Moving slowly through an arc of motion allows more muscle fibers to get involved. This slower speed gives the individual muscle fibers time to be activated. Speed of movement and number of repetitions both make a difference. The overall effect is to build strength and endurance. Moving quickly through an exercise causes the muscle to use up oxygen and metabolize quickly. The nervous system’s response to the muscle’s needs is faster. Fewer muscle fibers are used. Intense training of this kind is usually done with fewer repetitions. This is called interval training. It’s a method used more often by athletes engaged in middle-distance events. Endurance (longer) activities require a different approach. You can find more information on exercise training through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)[On-line at http://www.acsm.org]. Click on “Health and Fitness.”

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