Eccentric Contraction
In part 1 of the physiological breakdown of barrecore, we spoke of the importance of the ‘hold’ or isometric movement for major calorie burn. Here we will go into the importance of creating length in the muscle for those slender legs we all want.
That’s right. I said it...We all want long looking, lean muscle. In 15 years of working with people and their bodies (especially women) I have yet to have someone say, “Please bulk my legs. I want massive thighs!” Even with Beyonce and Rihanna’s bum, hips and thighs taking over the world I still don’t think I will be getting that request any time soon.
In order to create a toned and slender muscle anywhere in the body it is imperative to focus on the return of a contraction. This is called the eccentric contraction of an exercise. An eccentric contraction occurs when a muscle is contracting, and an external force is trying to lengthen the muscle. This could be a light weight or gravity in combination with your own body weight. Physical therapists and strength trainers often use eccentric exercises when aiming to strengthen and stabilize muscles and is often used to treat chronic tendon and muscle injuries.
At barrecore we consistently combine multiple isometric contractions (see part 1) with eccentric movements followed by active stretching to create long and sexy lines. You will hear us use cues such as...‘lengthen’, ‘extend’, ‘create more space in your hip socket’ or ‘move as if you you are trudging through mud’.
The next time you are in class don’t just think about the initial lifting action of an exercise but also bring awareness to the release of the muscle action. Always try and lengthen just a little bit more than you think you can. That’s how dancers do it and when performed correctly, this combination of movements give you that feeling of walking out of class a an inch or two taller and your jeans a little bit looser.
Don't forget to follow us at facebook.com/barrecore for more great healthy living tips!
In part 1 of the physiological breakdown of barrecore, we spoke of the importance of the ‘hold’ or isometric movement for major calorie burn. Here we will go into the importance of creating length in the muscle for those slender legs we all want.
That’s right. I said it...We all want long looking, lean muscle. In 15 years of working with people and their bodies (especially women) I have yet to have someone say, “Please bulk my legs. I want massive thighs!” Even with Beyonce and Rihanna’s bum, hips and thighs taking over the world I still don’t think I will be getting that request any time soon.
In order to create a toned and slender muscle anywhere in the body it is imperative to focus on the return of a contraction. This is called the eccentric contraction of an exercise. An eccentric contraction occurs when a muscle is contracting, and an external force is trying to lengthen the muscle. This could be a light weight or gravity in combination with your own body weight. Physical therapists and strength trainers often use eccentric exercises when aiming to strengthen and stabilize muscles and is often used to treat chronic tendon and muscle injuries.
At barrecore we consistently combine multiple isometric contractions (see part 1) with eccentric movements followed by active stretching to create long and sexy lines. You will hear us use cues such as...‘lengthen’, ‘extend’, ‘create more space in your hip socket’ or ‘move as if you you are trudging through mud’.
The next time you are in class don’t just think about the initial lifting action of an exercise but also bring awareness to the release of the muscle action. Always try and lengthen just a little bit more than you think you can. That’s how dancers do it and when performed correctly, this combination of movements give you that feeling of walking out of class a an inch or two taller and your jeans a little bit looser.
Don't forget to follow us at facebook.com/barrecore for more great healthy living tips!
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