There are many things that influence increased muscle size and strength that includes muscle tension, time under tension, calories, key amino acids, genetics and even rest. Many sports training and nutritional programs have been put together through trial and error, because the process is considered to be complicated and individual. Programs that are for weightlifters or discus throwers are not particularly right for body builders – the same thing goes for weightlifters. On the other hand, certain basic philosophies apply to the training programs of all kind of sport athletes.
An article written by Emidio Pistilli and associates from the Department of Physiology at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, projected that short-term overreaching might trigger faster gains in performance and strength in weightlifters.
What is Overreaching?
Overreaching is considered to be a temporary increase in training volume and intensity while overtraining is a prolonged condition characterized by chronic exhaustion and reduced performance.
Increasing the Intensity of Exercise May Cause a Rebound Increase in Performance
Researchers claim that increasing the volume and intensity of exercise sessions for a seven day period, followed by a period of decreased training intensity might cause a rebound increase in a person’s performance and strength. The crucial components are huge increases in training volume and intensity for temporary periods, followed by normal or low impact workouts. This perception is just as much art as science. Its effectiveness will change with the experience and flexibility of the athlete.
(Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal, 30 (6): 39-44, 2008)
