Weight training is the primary symbol of bodybuilding. It
increases strength. It also increases the size of one's muscles
through a process known as "adaptive hypertrophy." Adaptive
hypertrophy occurs when a muscle increases in size in order to
meet increased functional demands. In other words, when muscles
are required to exert a force that is greater than usual, they
will gradually adapt and grow larger (and stronger) to
accommodate the increased demands. The exact biomechanics of
this phenomenon are the subject of a continuing debate, but one
thing is clear: it works.
However, in order for muscles to continue growing, an
ever-increasing demand must be placed upon them. This concept
is known as "progressive resistance." Once the muscles have
recovered from the initial increase in demand and have grown in
size and strength to accommodate the larger load, an even
greater demand must be placed upon them to maintain their
growth. Thus, it is no surprise that the people who come to the
gym five times per week and lift the same modest weights for a
given number of repetitions never seem to grow any larger or
stronger. In order to reap the continuing benefits of adaptive
hypertrophy, it is necessary to regularly increase the amount of
weight resistance. Or to put it more simply:
As one grows older, the potential for adaptive hypertrophy
decreases, largely due to a natural decrease in hormones which
facilitate muscle growth. However, studies have shown that
resistance training will promote growth in muscle size and
strength even for people past 70 years of age, so it is never
too late to start. Just follow the links below.
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