Definition Of Eccentric As It Is Used In The Exercise Field

Eccentric exercises are those in which the muscle lengthens as it does work. This is the opposite of what is usually thought of as the work of a muscle.

We are used to thinking of muscles shortening as they work. When you pick up a heavy object, for instance, your muscle contracts and shortens as you pick it up.

But you have to put it down sometime. And when you do, you don't just drop it. You lower it into place. So your muscles are still working as you slowly lower the weight. As you are putting it down the muscle has to gradually lengthen while it is still under tension.

And this is the definition of an eccentric movement in exercise: a movement in which the muscle is lengthening as it does work.

For more information about eccentric exercise see this page about eccentric exericse.

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