Concentric Phase

Definition

The lifting/shortening portion of an exercise where the muscle contracts under tension (e.g., driving up in a squat). It's the 'hard' part where the actual movement happens.

Example Usage

Exploding through the concentric phase of the squat is where you generate maximum power.

Origin

Biomechanical terminology; applied to exercise science in the mid-20th century.

Fun Fact

Most people can generate more force eccentrically than concentrically due to mechanical advantages and neural factors.

Source: Biomechanics, exercise physiology

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