One of the key abilities of skeletal muscle is the coordinated movement of the stretch shortening cycle.
As defined in “Principles and Practice of Resistance Training” by Dr. Michael H. Stone, Meg Stone, William A. Sands.
“A special class of neuromuscular activity involving eccentric tension followed by concentric tension”
What does this mean in basic terms….first there is a difference in jumping of when you use the stretch shortening cycle and when you do not.
Lets look at a jump where you start from a seated position. If you jump straight up from the seated position it will only go so far. Now, lets say you are standing up but then squat down to jump straight up….most likely you will jump significantly higher than the “seated jump”
Is this making sense yet?
Over life we encounter various things that slow down the body’s ability to use this muscle action either from physical injury, sitting at a desk for extended periods of time (4+ hours), driving in a car for more than 2 hours regular, or loss of mobility due to being overweight. Losing the muscle action of the stretch shortening cycle can lead to decreased energy (due to the body making up for lack of muscle action), increased chance of falling or loss of balance, and loss of mobility due to pain around the joints making up for the lack of muscle.
But what can we do to make sure we maintain this muscle action in our lives?
The Most important would-be regular movement, consistent resistance training, and having a regular nitro nutrition muscle building in our lifestyle will help maintain and even improve this key muscle action the stretch shortening cycle.
Have you noticed your physical movements slow down after an injury, a new desk job, or having to change a driving routine?
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