Strength is the only general physical adaptation that humans can have and all other forms such as balance, coordination and speed are specific adaptations that derive from the increase of strength. An Olympic weightlifter needs to be strong, the NFL linebacker must be strong and the circus dancer performing a crazy balance act on a tight rope, blindfolded, needs to be strong. Although all of the above are different disciplines, strength is a general prerequisite in achieving their performance and is applicable to all aspects of our daily lives.
''Why..?''
Because there are different types of strength that manifest from the strategic use of strength training
Absolute Strength - This is the maximum amount of force a muscle or muscle group can produce in the absence of any of the body's protective mechanisms. Imagine someone is trying to rape you and you suddenly jump over a 2 meter fence..!!Hollywood style right then and there. As you can logically presume this type of strength is reserved for special survival conditions and cannot be replicated without the use of PED's.
Maximal Strength - The maximum amount of force a muscle or muscle group can produce for one repetition of a specific movement pattern or exercise, This is referred to as the 1RM (Repetition Maximum) and any individual serious in their training must know.
Relative Strength - This is the ratio between your maximal strength and your own body-weight. It is usually derived by dividing your 1RM by your body-weight. So let's say you weigh 200lbs and can squat 400lbs for one rep while your girlfriend weighs 100lbs and has a squat 1RM of 200lbs, then some math and voila..400/200=200/100=2, so guess what... you are just as strong as your girlfriend, you are a shame, go train..!
Strength Endurance - The ability to produce force at sub-maximal levels over time. The cyclists ability to keep on pedaling at a high cadence after 150km of an endurance race displays a serious amount of Strength Endurance... a genetic freak if you ask me..!!
Speed Strength - I love this one because it drives all the physics geeks nuts and they are right, speed strength is the ability to display force production very quickly. How fast you can move an object or how high your vertical jump is. The scientific term best describing this is Power and contrary to common bro and guru beliefs, cannot be greatly influenced by training as it is genetically predefined. It has to do with neuromuscular and motor patterns, basically your internal wiring.
Starting Strength - This term describes our ability to produce a sharp rise in power during the initial stage of the movement pattern been executed.
Acceleration Strength - The ability to keep the sharp rise in power throughout the whole or most of the movement pattern.
So if you are an aspiring bodybuilder, it would be of great interest to you in increasing your strength levels because although hypertrophy training revolves around 70-85%RM and 8-12 reps, by getting stronger you increase your own RM. So instead of curling 30kg for reps you are now stronger and can curl 40kg for reps thereby creating a better stimulus for hypertrophy to occur.
And just in case your girlfriend is wondering why she should get her squat up as her only interest is burning the fat during spin class, let me elaborate. By increasing her squat she has increased the ratio between her maximal strength and endurance strength, which means she can now use less effort to get through the class or utilize the extra strength to either spin faster or longer thereby torching the fat away.
By now, it should be absolutely clear to you that your priority in your training schedule must be strength related. I do not care what your sport or activity of choice is, by getting strong you will be able to improve your performance. Our ability to produce and display the several aspects of strength has been a critical factor aiding our evolution and we must not leave it aside. So no more ab work for a while and simply focus in getting your squat up.
''All right I get it, but how strong..?''
In relation to ones body-weight:
Press x 1
Bench Press x 1.5
Squat x 2
Deadlift x 2.5
Keep calm now and breathe..breathe in..breathe out. Unless there is a condition retaining you from training at the frequency and intensity needed for strength gains to occur you will reach these numbers in no time. You must realize that these levels are absolutely attainable by even my grand parents and hardly represent a strength specialization. With these levels of strength you are simply a good representative of our species and provide hope for our evolution!
It is not difficult at all and with a right strength training protocol in hand you will boost your levels of strength in no time. The catch however, is in finding the right protocol that abides to the several laws and principles of training in general.
Summing Up
Any logical individual seeking results must really value and appreciate the importance of strength and its direct implications to everyday activities.
Proper strength training strategies are simple to follow yet produce amazing results. Obtaining new levels of strength will not only aid your daily activities but enhance the quality of your life and keep you healthy.
GO GET STRONG.
I hope you enjoyed this article.
For more information on nutrition and training strategies visit my website
http://www.biogainz.com/
Stay Strong,
George T
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/George_T/2198339
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