Curious question

recompme

Member
Ok this might seem like an odd question but I'm asking it out of curiosity more than anything. Firstly my focus as a lower tier novice level lifter is to just lift but when doing exercises for hypertrophy should a person contract the muscles first, then move the weight or should contraction happen as the weight is moved? If pre contraction then moving the weight is advised for example contracting the lats whilst the bar is overhead then moving it down, what muscles are doing the work, since the lats are already contracted? As I say I'm not even a novice lifter yet so I'm just focusing on getting my novice lifter badge by just lifting but I'm curious what more experienced guys do.
 
Not sure I'm understanding what you are asking but... you contract the muscles to perform the movement using weight to add resistance to that movement. Are you referring to placing the muscles under constant tension or tensing the muscles before performing the movement/exercise?
 
ironviking said:
Not sure I'm understanding what you are asking but... you contract the muscles to perform the movement using weight to add resistance to that movement. Are you referring to placing the muscles under constant tension or tensing the muscles before performing the movement/exercise?
Click to expand...
Tensing the muscles before performing the movement almost like contracting them isometrically then moving the weight.
 
With some movements, I will tense the muscles first especially with back as I don't want jerk the weight risking an injury. I'm 44 and bad sh!t can definitely happen if I'm not careful. It can also help with the mind-muscle connection. But with you being a novice lifter, don't overthink think it, just move the weight with proper form.
 
For hypertrophy it's best to contract from a stretched position staying within normal range of motion. Full ROM without hyperextension and as stated no jerking the weight from start. pre contraction or tensing isn't necessary unless your talking about the big compound movements like squats where you want to "preload the hips" that is part of proper form
 
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