When people think of strength training, many envision bulging muscles. For some, the fear of becoming too bulky is a concern, while for others, muscle growth is a primary goal.
The difference between muscle growth and (maximal) strength
Did you know that there are various ways to train to achieve your desired results? Our personal trainers are well-versed in this. In this article, we'll provide a brief example: the difference between training for muscle growth and improving (maximal) strength.
Progression and weight usage
When pursuing these two distinct training goals, one commonality is crucial: both are achieved through progressing with the weight used. You should aim to become progressively stronger, as evidenced by your ability to lift more weight. Truth be told, there's a correlation between muscle growth and strength: as your muscles grow, you also become stronger.
Key training factors
Several important factors come into play when crafting a training regimen. The first crucial factor is volume, which includes how often you train, the number of sets for exercises, and, perhaps most importantly, the number of repetitions performed for each exercise.
Tempo and exercise execution
Another essential factor in achieving your desired goal is the tempo at which you execute exercises. Performing an exercise exceptionally slowly, for instance, has a vastly different effect than slightly increasing the tempo. Proper exercise execution is also pivotal. There are often various ways to perform an exercise, and differences in posture can have a significant impact.
Nutrition and results
Lastly, nutrition significantly influences results. If muscle growth is your goal, it's essential to consume an adequate amount of food. Frequently, a calorie surplus is necessary to facilitate substantial muscle growth, which means eating more calories than you burn. Of course, selecting the right type of food is crucial, with a particular emphasis on sufficient protein intake.
Health benefits of muscle growth
It's worth noting that muscle growth offers numerous health advantages. Muscles serve as our body's engines, protecting against illness, preventing unpleasant injuries, and aiding in maintaining physical health. Muscle growth can also aid in weight loss, as muscles continue to burn glucose even at rest after training. Especially as you age, it's beneficial to continue training your muscles, as muscle mass diminishes over time. Studies have shown that muscle training (strength training) improves insulin sensitivity, lowers blood pressure, and can have a positive impact on mental health and cognitive function.
Our trainers can help you
At Physicum, our personal trainers in Amsterdam are eager to work with you to determine the training approach that best suits your personal goals. Whether you aim to lose weight, gain muscle mass, or simply feel fit and energized again, we can help! Complete the match test today and discover how we can assist you.
