Definition
The lowering portion of an exercise where the muscle lengthens under tension (e.g., lowering in a squat or bench press). It's where the most muscle damage occurs, hence most hypertrophy.
Example Usage
I controlled the eccentric phase on my deadlifts, taking 3 seconds to lower the weight.
Origin
Biomechanical terminology; applied to exercise science in the mid-20th century.
Fun Fact
Eccentric training produces more hypertrophy per unit time than concentric training, but also more soreness and central nervous system fatigue.
Source: Biomechanics, exercise physiology
Related Terms
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