NETA Personal Trainer Practice Exam

What type of exercise primarily utilizes fast-twitch, fast glycolytic muscle fibers?

1. Long-distance running

2. Weightlifting

3. Jogging

4. Swimming

The correct answer is: Weightlifting

The choice of weightlifting is correct because it primarily utilizes fast-twitch, fast glycolytic muscle fibers, which are designed for short bursts of intense activity. These muscle fibers are characterized by their ability to generate a high amount of force quickly but fatigue rapidly. During weightlifting, particularly when performing heavy lifts or low-repetition sets, the body relies on these fast-twitch fibers to produce the explosive strength needed to lift heavy weights. In contrast, activities like long-distance running, jogging, and swimming typically engage slow-twitch muscle fibers, which are more efficient at using oxygen to generate energy for prolonged periods but do not produce force as rapidly as fast-twitch fibers. These endurance activities focus on stamina and sustained effort rather than the high force output found in weightlifting.