Any one can exercise in this way for short periods of time. In the untrained individual, anaerobic use of muscles often results in stiff and sore muscles a day or two later. Trained athletes can exercise anaerobically for longer periods of time, but eventually the muscles will fatigue from a lack of oxygen.

Human movement engineers study the body and the way it moves. They analyze strength, power, and efficiency during various activities. A recent study of ski-skaters using different body positions showed that some positions can generate greater speed, though usually at the expense of power.

One of these positions is the deep crouch. Speed skaters are very used to using this position and may have an advantage in doing so. The deep crouch position cannot be sustained in ski-skating for long periods of time but can improve time in the short run.

With training, the athlete may be able to stay in a low body position longer. As a speed skater, you may already have the advantage here. It's possible you'll be able to use this skill right away to shave seconds off your time.