How Do Our Bodies Really Get Stronger?
Building muscle is easy, right? Not always! Pairing resistance training with a healthy diet is among the most popular methods for increasing muscle growth, but you shouldn’t necessarily expect those large gains to appear instantly when you’re new to training. Pre-adolescent children in particular often observe very minimal visible muscle growth after starting resistance training routines. We don’t always see visible muscle growth, but it is very clear that overall strength is improving. This brings up a very interesting question: how do our bodies really get stronger?
Human Strength Analyzed
In late June, researchers at New Castle University published a study that offers some great insight into how humans can increase their strength without noticeable muscular results. The subjects of the study were two female Macaque monkeys. After equipping the monkeys with various tracking sensors, the researchers trained the monkeys to complete various simple weight routines.
Over the three-month trial period, it was discovered that progressively stronger signals were being sent from the monkeys’ brains to their muscles. The change was noted in the reticulospinal tract, a group of nerves that impact motor skills and posture, of both test subjects. With this knowledge, the researchers were able to conclude that the monkeys were getting stronger because of increased communication between their brains and their muscles.
Humans also have a reticulospinal tract, like the Macaque monkey. As such, we can reasonably apply the result of the study to our own fitness lives. Ultimately, if you aren’t noticing muscle growth, that doesn’t mean your exercise isn’t working! Pay attention to how much weight you’re able to lift as a true measure of your strength.
Get Stronger with MissionFit
MissionFit is dedicated to strengthening Baltimore youth through classes and an open gym. It’s our goal to encourage positive traits, like respect and teamwork, and provide children with a place to gain self-confidence and enjoy some exercise. To learn more about our classes or donate to support our mission, visit our website. Want to Support? We’re making health a possibility and a priority for Baltimore’s youth. If you want to support us, here are three easy ways to do so:
- Donate here!
- Amazon Wishlist– buy something specific that will make it easier for youth to achieve their health goals.
- You can put your online shopping to good use by donating a percentage of your purchase with AmazonSmile! To get started, sign in here, search for “MissionFit” and select us as your charity of choice.
