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Can you explain the different types of strength?
(5566 reads) 
Question:
A friend of mine told me he read that there are many types of
strength, but he could not explain their differences. Can you
clarify?
Answer:
Your friend is correct. There ARE many types of strength. Let's take a
quick look at each...
Limit Strength: this is defined as the maximum amount of force your
muscles can produce. This type of strength is not likely to be seen
except under the most extreme of circumstances, such as life-threatening
situations or under the influence of certain drugs...PCP for example.
Maximal Strength: this is defined a the most force your muscles can
produce voluntarily. Maximal strength includes concentric, isometric, and
eccentric muscular contractions. The human body can voluntarily produce
the greatest force during an eccentric (negative) contraction.
Absolute Strength: this is defined as the maximum force an athlete can
generate, irrespective of bodyweight and time of force development.
Absolute strength is important to lineman in the sport of football, for
example.
Relative Strength: this is defined as the maximum force an athlete can
generate per unit of bodyweight, irrespective of time of force
development. This type of strength is important to jumpers and gymnasts,
as well as wrestlers and boxers.
Optimal Strength: this is defined as the ideal level of strength needed
so that any further development would not improve perfromance. A distance
runner only needs to have a certain amount of upper body strength to
maintain proper running form. A 400 lb bench press is not necessary for
him.
Strength Endurance: this is defined as the capacity of a muscle to
maintain consistent force output with repeated contractions over time at
a percentage of maximal strength superior to 30%. This type of strength
is important for sports such as swimming and cross-country skiing.
Speed Strength: this is defined as the ability of the neuromuscular
system to produce the greatest possible force in the shortest possible
time frame. Speed strength is further broken down into 3 types...
1- Starting Strength: the ability to produce a high level of force at
the beginning of a muscular contraction.
2- Explosive Strength: the ability of the neuromuscular system to
continue developing the already initiated force as quickly as
possible.
3- Reactive Strength: the ability to switch rapidly from an eccentric to
a concentric contraction.
So as you can see, the word strength is far more complex than you might
have thought. Perhaps now you have a little better understanding of their
differences and uses in the athletic world.
Question:
I just started bodybuilding and I really want to compete. How long
will it take me to get to the necessary level of development?
Answer:
Ok, let me get out my crystal ball...Unfortunately I cannot give you a
definite answer to your question. This will depend on several
factors.
First you need to develop an effective and efficient training program.
Second you must match your nutritional regimen to your training goal.
Third you have to create a lifestyle that will be conducive to your
bodybuilding goals. This will mean getting the proper amount of sleep,
making time to prepare and consume all of your meals, and fitting in your
training each and every week. Finally you need to "pick the right
parents!" This is something that of course you can't control, and is more
commonly referred to as your GENETICS. This will play a key role in how
fast you can develop your body. On one end there are people that can be
ready for the stage within a year, and on the other, those that may never
achieve that kind of muscularity.
That being said, put aside what you can't control and focus on what you
can! Train hard and consistently, eat right, sleep well, and most of all,
keep a positive mindset. If you do, chances are you will one day be ready
to step on stage. It may not be "tomorrow," but it WILL BE! |
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