Mechanisms for Muscle
There are two primary mechanisms to gain muscle:
1.Mechanical tension
2.Metabolic stress
1. Mechanical Tension
Sometimes when you're lifting heavy weights, you might feel like a muscle is about to rip off a bone. This is mechanical tension. If you place tension on a muscle by stretching it passively (without letting it contract), the source of tension is called passive elastic tension.
If you place tension on a muscle by flexing it as hard as possible through an isometric contraction, the source of tension is known as active tension.
When you lift weights through a full range of motion, the muscles are placed under a combination of passive and active tension because they're being stretched while being activated.
Research shows that dynamic movements are superior to both stretching and isometrics for hypertrophic gains, so tension alone won't deliver maximum muscle growth. Tension through a full range of motion is what builds maximum muscle.
Furthermore, time under tension (TUT) is another important factor to consider. Performing one maximal contraction once every two weeks will not yield maximal hypertrophic gains – it's just not enough of a stimulus to optimize anabolic processes. The muscles need ample signaling to grow larger.
2. Metabolic Stress
Think about the feeling you get when you know you're really targeting a muscle – that burning sensation you elicit and the pump that you achieve.
Metabolic stress is brought about by several factors, including:
•The occlusion of veins by persistent muscle contractions, which prevents blood from escaping.
•The hypoxia or lack of oxygen supply in the muscles due to the trapping of blood.
•The build-up of metabolic byproducts such as lactate and the increased hormonal surge.
•The cell swelling or "pump" of the muscles, also due to the pooling of blood.
These factors aid in building muscle and are synergistic with tension and progressive overload.
The journey is long & hard, but you are not alone.
Success is sweet & everlasting memories will be embedded.
There are two primary mechanisms to gain muscle:
1.Mechanical tension
2.Metabolic stress
1. Mechanical Tension
Sometimes when you're lifting heavy weights, you might feel like a muscle is about to rip off a bone. This is mechanical tension. If you place tension on a muscle by stretching it passively (without letting it contract), the source of tension is called passive elastic tension.
If you place tension on a muscle by flexing it as hard as possible through an isometric contraction, the source of tension is known as active tension.
When you lift weights through a full range of motion, the muscles are placed under a combination of passive and active tension because they're being stretched while being activated.
Research shows that dynamic movements are superior to both stretching and isometrics for hypertrophic gains, so tension alone won't deliver maximum muscle growth. Tension through a full range of motion is what builds maximum muscle.
Furthermore, time under tension (TUT) is another important factor to consider. Performing one maximal contraction once every two weeks will not yield maximal hypertrophic gains – it's just not enough of a stimulus to optimize anabolic processes. The muscles need ample signaling to grow larger.
2. Metabolic Stress
Think about the feeling you get when you know you're really targeting a muscle – that burning sensation you elicit and the pump that you achieve.
Metabolic stress is brought about by several factors, including:
•The occlusion of veins by persistent muscle contractions, which prevents blood from escaping.
•The hypoxia or lack of oxygen supply in the muscles due to the trapping of blood.
•The build-up of metabolic byproducts such as lactate and the increased hormonal surge.
•The cell swelling or "pump" of the muscles, also due to the pooling of blood.
These factors aid in building muscle and are synergistic with tension and progressive overload.
The journey is long & hard, but you are not alone.
Success is sweet & everlasting memories will be embedded.