Summary
Muscle contraction occurs as a consequence of the synchronized contraction of individual muscle cells. In the context of our bodily motions and gestures, muscle contractions are executed involuntarily. In the realm of athletics as a whole, and specifically within the domain of bodybuilding, the process of muscular contraction serves as a catalyst for muscle growth and development. Various forms of muscle contractions exist, with concentric and eccentric contractions being the predominant ones used in the context of bodybuilding.
A concentric contraction is what?
The concentric contraction is often referred to as the positive phase within the realm of bodybuilding. A concentric contraction refers to the sensation of muscular contraction experienced during physical exertion. An instance of concentric contraction may be experienced during the process of raising a barbell or dumbbell. Concentric contraction is seen when a muscle undergoes a movement associated with its reduction in length. During this temporal interval, there is a reduction in its longitudinal dimension, concomitant with a diligent exertion of effort resulting in the production of a certain magnitude of force. The concentric contraction is often acknowledged as the phase during which the specific muscle is activated to execute a movement. Within the realm of bodybuilding, this phenomenon is often denoted as the ascent, propulsion, or traction.
Advantages and disadvantages
The fundamental concept behind concentric contraction is the contraction of a muscle by bringing its insertion sites closer together, resulting in a reduction of its length. This particular muscle growth strategy offers several benefits for the athlete. Performing six repetitions of concentric motions may provide advantages to the neurological system by promoting enhanced conduction of neural messages. Following 10 repetitions, there is an observed increase in muscle volume. There is a positive correlation between the number of workouts an athlete does using a concentric method and the amount of muscle mass acquired. Following around fifteen iterations of concentric contraction, the athlete experiences improvements in both endurance and muscular tone. Hence, the concentric approach emerges as the most appropriate technique for attaining voluntary muscle activation.
During a concentric contraction workout, the duration of recuperation is notably brief. Following a training session, athletes may experience significant discomfort and agony, maybe accompanied by a decline in performance.
What factors should be considered while selecting exercises?
One instance of a concentric contraction may be seen in the bending of the forearm towards the arm when doing a curl bar workout. This exercise is used in weight training with the purpose of enhancing the development of the biceps muscles. The flexion of the arm occurs as a result of the contraction and subsequent constriction of the biceps and anterior brachialis muscles. Contrast approaches are very useful in the context of doing concentric work. The proposed approach involves using a combination of heavy series and low loads within a single training session. This approach facilitates significant muscular engagement, hence expediting the development of muscle mass, as well as the growth and strengthening of muscle fibers and connective tissues.