Muscle building is something that has been analyzed and studied intensely especially over the last few decades. There is constantly new research being done, especially to counter the myths that have become predominate among fitness enthusiasts and the general public. The exact science of muscle building is still a mystery in many ways, as there is still a lot to be understood. There are many complex chemical reactions involved, and as such the entire scope is not fully understood, however, most scientists attribute all bodily processes as a way of sustaining the life of the individual, and that includes the growth of muscles.
How it works.
The process of working out and exercising the muscles, specifically when the muscles have been pushed to the limit creates what is called ‘micro tears’ in the muscles. This actually damages the muscle slightly, which causes the body’s defense mechanism to power up and increase the muscle strength in order to survive. The scientific term for building muscle is known as hypertrophy, and the process is termed as anabolism, which is applied to any building or growth. The hormones responsible for this growth are known as Anabolic Hormones, which control and stimulate muscle growth. A male specific hormone, testosterone also plays a large role in the production of muscle, and the testosterone levels increase with more muscle building for men, with females the testosterone levels stay the same.
Steroids. Safe, Superfluous or Stupid?
Illegal supplements such as steroids contain these hormones, which are either ingested or injected into the body to dramatically speed up and increase the production of muscle in the body. The reason that these are illegal is not just because they give an unfair advantage to sports competitors. The unnatural extra hormones has been proved to increase the risk of heart disease and cancer, and besides numerous psychological problems including addiction and depression, can also cause the body to counter the over abundant male hormones with extra female hormones and even female traits (such as growth in the breasts; Gynecomastia).
Feel the Burn
Many different experts and professionals adopt the use of the technique of training to failure in their personal exercises and recommended it for its advantageous effects on the body. The body will only build muscle if it feels that it is needed, that is why after a period of non-exercise the body will break down the muscle for extra energy. The ‘pumped’ look and feel after a set is actually extra water and blood from surrounding cells, which is why muscles look bigger after a workout.
There are many aspects to successful muscle building, and new techniques, methods and supplements are constantly being discovered, with varying levels of success in each case however, the basic causes of muscle growth are generally thought to be a defense mechanism resulting from the hardwired survival instinct of every human.
Sources
The Truth About Muscle Building. 26 Week Workout Plan. 2007
Sean Nalewanyj www.musclebuildingtruth.com
The Navy Seal Fitness Guide, Edited by Patricia A. Deuster. August 1997.
Noel Afonso - A writer by my own right.
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