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Is It
Possible To Gain Weight
Fast?
No matter
what kind of methods you
have heard about how to
gain weight fast, there are
some indisputable facts you
can’t ignore. For instance,
the point of peak
contraction is where the
muscle fibers are
contracted, or shortened,
to the greatest extent.
When you reach this point,
hold the position for a
second before continuing
the exercise. If you can't
hold it there with the
weight you are currently
using, then lower the
weight. Approach and depart
from the point of peak
contraction in a smooth,
controlled movement.
As you move
a weight during an
exercise, some parts of the
movement are more difficult
than others. This is
because gravity exerts a
greater opposing force at
certain times. For example,
when you do a biceps curl,
the beginning of the motion
is relatively easy. As you
continue to lift the
weight, however, gravity
makes the movement harder
and harder until you reach
the point of peak
contraction. This is the
point where all of the
muscle fibers are
contracted, or shortened,
to the greatest extent.
So, how to
gain weight fast? In order
to maximize your growth,
you need to lift the weight
to the point of peak
contraction and then hold
it there for a second.
This is
easier said than done.
Sometimes athletes stop
short of a peak contraction
because it is difficult or
even impossible at the
weight they are currently
using. You now know the
importance of moving
through a muscle's full
range of motion. Yet,
reaching the point of peak
contraction is not enough
to achieve the largest
possible mass. You must
keep your muscle flexed at
this point for a second to
lock in your gains. If you
can't hold the weight in
this position, then lower
the weight you use until
you can perform the
movement with perfect form.
In time, your strength will
increase and you will be
able to lift the same
weight you used to. Your
muscles will respond to the
extra stimulation with
additional growth.
The way you
approach and depart from
the point of peak
contraction is also
important. Some athletes
try to force the weight up
in a jerky movement using
momentum from other
bodyparts. As soon as they
reach the uppermost point
of their movement, they let
the weight drop back down
to the starting position.
This keeps the muscles from
reaching their growth
potential. You should
contract your muscles with
an explosive yet controlled
movement that utilizes only
the muscle or muscles you
are training at that time.
Momentum will not build
mass. Although the total
amount of weight you lift
goes up, the amount of
effort performed by the
muscles you are targeting
can actually drop. Relying
on momentum denies your
muscles the stimulation
they want and need for
growth.
As you approach the point
of peak contraction, reduce
the speed of your movement.
You don't want to come to a
screeching halt during an
exercise any more than you
would while driving your
car. Gently "brake" on the
muscle's motion until you
come to a smooth stop. Hold
this position for a second,
then return to the starting
position with a relatively
slow movement that takes
twice as long as the
initial contraction
movement. Never attempt to
"catch" the weight after
you have started your
downward descent. This is a
great way to injure
yourself. So, how to gain
fast? When it comes to peak
contractions, slow and
steady wins the race.
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