Eccentric

Definition

The lowering phase of an exercise where muscle lengthens under load. Where the real muscle damage happens, and why negatives are underrated.

Example Usage

The eccentric phase is where most hypertrophy occurs.

Origin

Biomechanics terminology, from Latin 'eccentricus'

Fun Fact

Eccentric-focused training can produce 30% more strength gains than concentric-only training

Source: Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology

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blood lactate

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The most feared day in the gym calendar, responsible for more canceled plans than any holiday. Skipping it is the fitness world's original sin, yet somehow everyone's legs look suspiciously fresh on Monday morning.

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kinetic chain

The interconnected system of body segments and joints that work together to produce movement. The reason your knee pain might actually be a hip problem, and why bodies are annoyingly complicated.

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rhabdo

Shortened term for rhabdomyolysis, the catastrophic muscle breakdown that releases proteins into your bloodstream and can destroy your kidneys. When someone tells you they got rhabdo from a workout, they went from fitness enthusiast to medical emergency in record time.

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loading parameters

The variables that define a training session: sets, reps, weight, rest periods, and tempo. The recipe for gains that everyone tweaks based on Instagram advice.

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BFR training

Blood Flow Restriction training—strapping bands around your limbs to trap blood in muscles during light exercise, tricking them into growing with kindergarten weights. Science that looks like you're cutting off circulation because you basically are.

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stfua

shut the f**k up already...