The Myth of Non-Functional Hypertrophy (good article)

[blevunly]

http://www.higher-faster-sports.com/...ionalmyth.html

In the article it talks about why people who use higher rep schemes and more volume tend to appear to have less functional muscle. Basically its due to the fact that higher volume equals more glycogen storage which leads to more water storage and makes the muscle appear to be bigger than it is. The article also states that through various tests there has been no evidence to suggest that one can cause sarcoplasmic hypertrophy(fluid surrounding the protien) without myofibrillar hypertrophy(the protien contents of the cell).

[Rob]

Interesting read.

Just to add to the article I think it's important to mention that red muscle or oxidative muscle, contains muscle fibres with more myoglobin and mitochondria than white muscle or glycolytic muscle in addition to the blood supply differences described. To expand upon the author's explanation of white and red muscle using the same chicken meat example, it helps to think of the white and dark meat of the chicken and explain why they are their respective colours. A chicken flies for short periods of time mainly to escape from predators and as such the breast tissue which powers the anaerobic process of wing flapping is white. Conversely the chicken walks around all day and therefore its leg muscles are predominantly composed of slow fibres or dark meat.

It might be clear to some but I thought I'd add that bit of detail.

I think the article was written well and useful. Thanks for the link.

[ninjashoes]

One thing I don't agree with is what he said about Tyson. Tyson may not have lifted weights but he obviously did alot of bodyweight exercises and probably other types of boxing related strength training.

Of course he was a natural athlete but the idea is(and basically what the article is saying) is that you should mimic the movements and explosiveness of whatever sport you are training for. Alot of boxers chop wood to build punching power which is kind of similar to what the latest fad is which is hitting tires with sledgehammers but actually chopping wood is probably better for building explosive speed.

Nothing wrong with doing high reps imo its just more of an endurance type of deal. I heard Dan Henderson will do extremely high rep weight lifting with light weights. Maybe that kind of explains why he is able to hang with bigger fighters.

[chrismortimer66]

One thing I don't agree with is what he said about Tyson. Tyson may not have lifted weights but he obviously did alot of bodyweight exercises and probably other types of boxing related strength training.

Of course he was a natural athlete but the idea is(and basically what the article is saying) is that you should mimic the movements and explosiveness of whatever sport you are training for. Alot of boxers chop wood to build punching power which is kind of similar to what the latest fad is which is hitting tires with sledgehammers but actually chopping wood is probably better for building explosive speed.

Nothing wrong with doing high reps imo its just more of an endurance type of deal. I heard Dan Henderson will do extremely high rep weight lifting with light weights. Maybe that kind of explains why he is able to hang with bigger fighters.

You being serious, I have't read the article yet but from what I know Tyson lifted weights, not only that he lifted massive amounts of weights, he used to win bets for benchin 200lbs at 12-13 yrs old, and 400lbs when he was around 20, so not only did he lift ALOT of weights, he also from the weights he was using was obviously juicing[Big suprise]!

[chrismortimer66]

http://www.higher-faster-sports.com/...ionalmyth.html

In the article it talks about why people who use higher rep schemes and more volume tend to appear to have less functional muscle. Basically its due to the fact that higher volume equals more glycogen storage which leads to more water storage and makes the muscle appear to be bigger than it is. The article also states that through various tests there has been no evidence to suggest that one can cause sarcoplasmic hypertrophy(fluid surrounding the protien) without myofibrillar hypertrophy(the protien contents of the cell).

Justs my 2 cents, bodybuilders use about 65% of their muscle, where as powerlifters, weightlifters and strongmen use 95-100% of thier muscle mass, so for most athletes who compete in weight divisions training with a 1-3 rep range would be an advantage. Then using a HIIT style cardio would be best for any endurance issues for combat athletes.

[killemall]

Whenever i read "functional strength/muscle" i lol. For what function, noob?