Strength comes before muscle

Date

03.22.18

CategoryLife

It could take two months before you start seeing gains in the latter.

Every athlete knows that education is a crucial part of performance. Sport and exercise research, insight from top trainers, science, and technology help you to better understand your body so you can craft a healthier lifestyle, workouts, and recovery plan.

In our daily news series, experts address some of the latest fitness research, nutrition, style, and health stories.

THE SCIENCE

Athletes might need to be more patient than they realize when it comes to building muscle. “Sticking with a training program when you aren't seeing results right away affords your body the time needed to make noticeable changes,” says Matt Berenc, CSCS, director of education at the Equinox Fitness Training Institute.

EXPERT INSIGHT

A spike in strength could take as little as three weeks with the speed and endurance benefits happening shortly thereafter, but it could take up to two months before you notice an uptick in lean muscle, says Berenc. In up to six months, the skeletal system will become denser. “Our bones adapt to training just like our muscles; they get stronger so they can withstand impact or the strain of performance.”

THE BOTTOM LINE

Adhere to a training plan for at least six to eight weeks, recommends Berenc, and look for new ways to add stresses. This might be more weight, increasing the reps, or progressing a movement pattern. You can also optimize the process with a focus on good nutrition and by prioritizing recovery. “The body repairs itself at an accelerated rate when we sleep, especially during non-REM deep sleep.”

This site uses cookies for certain analytics and targeting purposes. View our Privacy Policy to learn more and how you can set your own preferences, including to disable them. By clicking "OK" or continuing to use this site you are consenting to our use of cookies, unless you have disabled them.

Strength comes before muscle

03.22.18

It could take two months before you start seeing gains in the latter.

Sign up for workouts, recipes, and lifestyle content