Muscle biopsy samples were taken from m.vastus lateralis of ski-runners during the training season and 4 months after training (consisting presumably of aerobic exercises). Metabolic enzyme activities, fiber cross-sectional areas, capillary supply indices and parameters of oxygen uptake by intact mitochondria in skinned fibers were measured. Training did not induce any appreciable changes in the NADH-tetrazolium reductase activity, maximal oxygen uptake by mitochondria, mean fiber size or capillary density. At the same time, there were significant increases in the cytochrome c oxidase activity, respiratory control index and creatine-stimulated respiratory rate. The activities of alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase and myoglobin peroxidase as well as the basal respiratory rate of mitochondria decreased as a result of training. The data obtained testify to the possibility of qualitative adaptations in the respiratory chain of mitochondria.