How to Gain Strength and Power
Physiology reveals that the basics of strength and power development in the muscles are the adaptations of the nervous system and the hypertrophy of muscle. Hypertrophy simply means the growth of muscles. These two factors lead to the production of increased amounts of myosin and actin which function by increasing the tension of the muscles. Increased amounts of these tow substances leads to the development of individual strength.
The only way in which actin and myosin can be properly produced on grand scale is through the carrying out of effectual strength training techniques. In so doing the strengths of the tendons and ligaments are also increased. The role of the nervous system is quite complex but the explanation can be simplified if we can understand that the brain sends messages to the muscles. These messages are either excitatory or inhibitory. Excitatory messages allow the muscles to be readied for use while the inhibitory messages serve as warnings when the brain realizes that certain tasks are impossible. The muscles relax and in so doing one is able to avoid injury.
As one makes progress in weightlifting the brain reduces the number of inhibitory messages sent to the muscles. This is due to the fact that the muscles are adequately prepared to meet the expected requirements and that it is possible to lift a specified weight. (more…)
