Those who are seeking to increase their muscularity through
strength training and nutritional manipulation alone may be overlooking some of
the more critical contributing factors to developing muscle mass. According to Dr. Frederick C. Hatfield, PhD, some factors, such as muscle fiber arrangement and musculoskeletal leverage are genetically determined and are, therefore, unable to be modified. Several other factors, however, can be addressed and modified to a degree which may result in noticeable gains in muscularity.
Ratio of Muscle Fiber Types
In his book, Hardcore Bodybuilding: A Scientific Approach, Dr. Hatfield explains that, while the
ratio of muscle fiber types on the human body are largely controlled by
genetics, there are ways to manipulate the growth and development of existing
muscle fibers.
By engaging in explosive weight training, selective stress is placed on fast-twitch muscle fibers, which have a greater capacity to hypertrophy.
By engaging in explosive weight training, selective stress is placed on fast-twitch muscle fibers, which have a greater capacity to hypertrophy.
Utilizing techniques through weight training, biomechanics training and
light resistance training is the recommended activities of choice to manipulate
the growth and development of existing muscle fibers.
Extensiveness of
Capillarization
Capillaries are responsible for transporting oxygen and
nutrients to muscles. Additionally, they
assist in eliminating wastes and toxins from cells that can lead to cellular
damage. Dr. Hatfield explains that a
person is able to drastically increase the presence and extensiveness of capillaries
within muscles.
By doing so, more nutrients and oxygen can be carried in to the muscle and toxins can be eliminated more quickly and efficiently. This can result in greater muscular performance and growth. Dr. Hatfield recommends high repetition, continuous tension resistance training to increase the presence and extensiveness of capillaries.
By doing so, more nutrients and oxygen can be carried in to the muscle and toxins can be eliminated more quickly and efficiently. This can result in greater muscular performance and growth. Dr. Hatfield recommends high repetition, continuous tension resistance training to increase the presence and extensiveness of capillaries.
Mitochondrial Growth
The mitochondria within cells are responsible for
manufacturing ATP and performing essential oxidative functions. By increasing the size and quantity of
mitochondria, a person can expect to see an increase in muscular endurance,
reduced recovery time and greater contractibility of muscles.
Additionally, Dr. Hatfield notes that that mitochondria take up space and have mass; therefore, by increasing their size and quantity, the muscle cells themselves will become larger.
Additionally, Dr. Hatfield notes that that mitochondria take up space and have mass; therefore, by increasing their size and quantity, the muscle cells themselves will become larger.
The net result can be greater muscle
hypertrophy carried over from the growth and proliferation of
mitochondria. High repetition resistance
training is the recommended means to achieve mitochondrial growth.
Motor Unit Recruitment
By utilizing as many muscle fibers as possible
simultaneously, the ability to generate limit strength and subsequent muscle
hypertrophy is enhanced. Achieving
maximum fiber recruitment will ensure that adequate stress is placed on muscle
fibers and the extensiveness of muscular growth is increased.
Dr. Hatfield suggests performing controlled
ballistic resistance training and various forms of light resistance training to
achieve the desired result.
Sources:
Sources:
Frederick C. Hatfield. Hardcore Bodybuilding: A Scientific Approach. Published by Contemporary Books 1991.
Frederick C. Hatfield. Power: A Scientific Approach. Published by Contemporary Books 1994.
Frederick C. Hatfield. Power: A Scientific Approach. Published by Contemporary Books 1994.
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