One question that comes up quite often is why one person will develop more strength and muscle than another will when they’re doing the same exercises and following the same program. Some people feel that they must be doing something wrong if they aren’t getting the same results as their friend or training partner. What they must understand is that there are several variables affecting development and we don’t have much, if any, control over them.One of the most important variables is muscle fiber type. We have two basic types of muscle fibers, which we’ll refer to as ‘fast twitch’ and ‘slow twitch’ muscle fibers. Fast twitch fibers produce high levels of force for short periods and are used for activities such as weight lifting. Slow twitch fibers produce low levels of force for long periods and are used for activities that require endurance. Although both types of fibers respond to strength training, the fast twitch fibers experience greater increase in size and strength and may get more results faster from a weight training program.
Most people have a fairly equal combination of fast and slow twitch fibers. Some people, however, have been born with a higher percentage of fast twitch fibers that make them better at sports such as sprinting, bodybuilding or powerlifting. Others have a higher percentage of slow twitch fibers that contribute to them being better at endurance sports such as long distance running.
Muscle quantity can be affected by a person’s gender. Men and women’s muscle tissues are characteristically the same, but men generally have more muscle tissue because muscle size is increased by the presence of testosterone. Since larger muscles are usually stronger muscles, men are generally stronger than women.
Age can also affect gains in size and strength. Although people of all ages can make strength and size gains with the right resistance training program and a proper diet, as we age the gains can come slower. This may be partially due to the drop in testosterone levels as we get older.
The point that a tendon attaches to the bone can greatly affect strength. In the case of the bicep curl, if two lifters have the same muscle and bone length, the one that has the bicep tendon that attaches further down the forearm will have a biomechanical advantage and will be able to lift more weight.
Similarly, people with shorter limbs can often lift more because of the mechanical advantage.
A person’s recovery ability will also affect their results. A person who’s body recovers quickly will be ready to train again, while his training partner may not be totally recovered and will only suffer from overtraining if he trains too soon.
Although all of these variables are determined by genetics, we have the ability to manipulate them to make the best of our genetics. I’ve always believed that genetics are only there to play with and challenge us. Genetics don’t determine how you live your life, how you eat, and how often or how you train.
© 2015 TOPFIT
Even with slick, muddy trails, it was still a great day for a run on Lower Table Rock.
~Feelin' Alive!~
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