Muscular endurance plays a role in everyday activity. It allows you to perform repeated movements without getting tired and enables you to hold or carry objects for long periods of time.
Definition
Muscular endurance is the ability of to perform a series of repetitions at submaximal (below maximum) strength.
Benefits
Endurance prevents fatigue and exhaustion from physical work, and allows you to perform and enjoy various sports and activities.
Slow-Twitch Fibers
Slow-twitch muscle fibers are small muscle fibers that are suited for muscular endurance--performing repetitive motions with low levels of force--whereas fast-twitch muscle fibers are ideal for muscular strength. Slow-twitch fibers will adapt over time to endurance activities, making your muscles more efficient.
Endurance Assessment
Assessment of muscular endurance can be performed using a number of methods. One involves callisthenic exercises such as push-ups and curl-ups to determine muscular endurance capabilities and pinpoint areas for improvement. A personal trainer will be able to help assess your endurance.
Building Endurance
Follow a specific weight-training program to develop muscular endurance. Campus Health Services at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill recommends training several times a week, performing one to two sets of repetitions. Use controlled full range of motion, and try to do at least one exercise per muscle group.
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