Getting stronger does not automatically mean you’re getting bigger; however…
Getting bigger generally means you will get stronger—because when myofibrils within muscle fibers thicken, strength EVENTUALLY follows…
The reason strength increases don’t always indicate muscle growth is because strength is caused by numerous mechanisms….
According to researcher Chris Beardsley, hypertrophy is but one of many, including tendon/ligament thickness, neuromuscular efficiency, coordination, and more,
For example, if you introduce a new exercise to your workout, you will see strength increases over multiple workouts. BUT that’s not hypertrophy, it’s coordination. Initial strength indicates that you’re LEARNING the exercise.
Nevertheless, striving to get stronger is important for hypertrophy. Growth should begin to accrue after the learning period; however…
Once you exit the beginner stage, you’ll see 1-rep increases infrequently. It may take six workouts or more. The more experience you have, the longer it takes…
That’s because hypertrophy is slow. You usually don’t grow enough from a single workout to translate to a FULL rep at your next session—unless you’re regaining muscle you already had—muscle memory.
Bottom line: Training consistency is key, with blips in strength to accrue hypertrophy.Till next time, train hard—and smart—for BIG results.
Steve Holman
Former Editor in Chief, Iron Man Magazine
X-Rep.com
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