Muscle hypertrophy, the process of increasing muscle mass, is a primary goal for many fitness enthusiasts. While weightlifting and resistance training are well-known for promoting muscle hypertrophy, recent research highlights the significant role of stretching and training at longer muscle lengths. This Muscle and Motion article delves into the relationship between stretching and hypertrophy, shedding […]
There are various versions of the push-up exercise to add variety to your workout routine and target specific muscle groups. While the traditional push-up is an excellent workout, incorporating variations allows you to spice up your routine and focus on specific muscles. In this detailed Muscle and Motion guide, you will learn how to do […]
The mind-muscle connection refers to the conscious effort to focus one’s attention on the contraction of a specific muscle or muscle group during exercise. This practice involves mentally engaging with the working muscle, aiming to isolate and enhance its activation without relying solely on the movement’s mechanical execution. Using this focus, individuals can potentially achieve […]
Anterior knee pain (AKP) includes multiple conditions, with patellofemoral pain being the most common. It can affect many people’s success in the gym and in day-to-day life. Clinical findings associated with AKP According to Mc Clinton et al. 2020 clinical findings associated with AKP may include the following: patellar hypermobility hypo-mobility impaired quadriceps or hip […]
Plyometric exercises, often referred to as jump training or “plyos,” are dynamic and explosive movements designed to increase strength, speed, and overall athletic performance. These exercises can significantly enhance your physical capabilities and are ideal for both upper- and lower-body training. This Muscle and Motion article offers an in-depth guide to building a plyometric training […]
Plyometric exercises involve explosive movements designed to increase strength, speed, and agility. By engaging the stretch-shortening cycle of the muscles, these exercises leverage the force of elastic energy to improve athletic performance. This Muscle and Motion article delves into the science behind plyometrics, outlines beginner and advanced techniques, and offers advice on integrating these powerful […]
Lifting objects from the ground is an essential daily activity we all regularly perform. For many years, we used to believe lifting with spinal flexion could be a risk factor for lower back injuries and pain. Today, we know lifting with a flexed spine is not necessarily harmful, and there is no one way to […]
Eccentric contractions are a type of muscle contraction in which the muscle-tendon complex lengthens and contracts at the same time. This type of contraction has several distinct traits distinguishing it from other contractions, potentially resulting in unique adaptations. Due to its particular physiological and mechanical characteristics, eccentric muscle work has garnered growing attention for rehabilitation […]
3 Exercises to Target the Rectus Abdominis Muscle The rectus abdominis is one of the four abdominal muscles located in the anterior abdominal region and running vertically along the midline of the abdomen, extending from the pubic bone to the sternum. The rectus abdominis is responsible for posterior pelvic tilt (PPT) and spine flexion. […]
In the realm of resistance training, the way you focus during exercise is crucial. It’s not just about what exercises you do but also about how you execute them. You can use two key types of cues in your training: internal and external. Grasping the nuances between internal and external cues and their impact on […]