Have you ever wondered how someone not very muscular can lift heavy weights or why a very muscular person may not be that strong?
Here's a simple equation to demystify this phenomenon:
Strength = Neurological Drive × Muscle Cross-Sectional Area (CSA)
Neurological Drive, a key factor in strength, refers to how efficiently your brain and central nervous system (CNS) communicate with your muscles. It involves the proficiency of motor unit recruitment, their synchronization, and the rate at which they fire. Understanding this complex process can enlighten you about the true nature of strength training.
Muscle Cross-Sectional Area (CSA): This is the size of your muscles. Larger muscles with more fibres can produce greater force. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about building a larger, more powerful engine for strength. Understanding the role of muscle size in strength can validate your pursuit of muscle growth.
In simple terms, a more significant muscle has the potential to be stronger but isn't automatically stronger. This knowledge empowers you to make informed training choices, understanding that muscle size is not the only determinant of strength. This explains why a lower-weight class powerlifter can be as strong as, or even more robust than, a heavyweight bodybuilder.
Sources:
1 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30727028/
2 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17241104/
3 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33433148/
4 - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-30808-4
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