Resistance training increases muscle strength by pitting the muscles against a weight, such as a dumbbell or barbell. The muscle cells adapt to the extra workload by enlarging (hypertrophy) and recruiting greater numbers of nerve cells to aid contraction. Understanding the principles of muscle contraction can help you reach your musculoskeletal (muscle and skeleton) fitness goals faster. It is important to pay attention to safety and good form to reduce the risk of injury. Undertaking some form of bodyweight training that builds a foundation of strength, and strengthening of the deeper stabilising muscles, before moving to formal resistance training could be beneficial. Consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you are overweight, over 40 years of age, have a pre-existing medical condition or haven’t exercised in a long time. Benefits of resistance training The benefits of regular resistance training include:
Maximal voluntary contraction
Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) means the muscle has contracted to the best of its ability. In resistance training, MVC is measured by a formula known as XRM. ‘X’ refers to the weight that can be lifted x-amount of times before muscle fatigue sets in. RM means ‘repetitive maximum’ and refers to the number of times the contraction can be performed. The formula 7RM means the person can lift the weight (let’s say it’s 50kg) seven times before the muscles are too fatigued to continue. Higher weights mean lower RM – for example, the same person could lift a 65kg weight perhaps three times. Lower weights mean higher RM – for example, the person could lift a 35kg weight about 12 times before muscle fatigue set in. Applying MVC to meet your fitness goals Once you understand the principle of MVC, you can get the maximum benefit from your resistance training. Guidelines differ depending on your experience, but generally include:
(*A ‘set’ means the number of repetitions you perform in a
row before having a rest.)
The physiology of strength gain Most beginners experience a rapid increase in strength, followed by a ‘plateau’ or levelling out of their strength improvements. After that, gains in muscle strength are hard earned. When you start resistance training, your initial increase in strength is due to a phenomenon called ‘neural adaptation’. This means that the nerves servicing the muscles change their behaviour. The nerves are thought to ‘fire’ more frequently (prompting increased muscle contraction) and more motor units are recruited to perform the contraction (a motor unit is the nerve cell and its associated muscle fibres). This means you become stronger, but the muscles remain the same size. In time, the muscle cells respond to resistance training by increasing in size (hypertrophy). So don’t be discouraged by reaching the ‘plateau’ – it is actually an encouraging sign that gains in muscle size may soon follow. Basic principles The basic principles of resistance training include:
Safety suggestions
General safety suggestions include:
Where to get help
Things to remember
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Khamis, 26 Jun 2014
Resistance training - beginners
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