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The title doesn't match the research. The title suggests you can 'grow stronger without lifting weights' while the research suggests more that you can 'under ci
by glangdale 8y ago
The title doesn't match the research. The title suggests you can 'grow stronger without lifting weights' while the research suggests more that you can 'under circumstances of immobility, you can prevent some strength loss from the condition of immobility by thinking about lifting weights'.
The other point is that neural factors have long been well-understood as a part of the process of gaining strength (also transfer effects of unilateral work for the unbroken side for injured athletes is well studied), and neural improvements coming quickly has always been a disappointment for our young bros seeking swoledom - "my bench press is now 70kg rather than 45kg and I'm still no bigger"? (patience, broham).
The problem is that neural factors are pretty easy to train up in a big way (when you are no longer weirdly 'shaking' as you lift, you've gotten most of that) and then the hard work starts. It's nice that you can get this from thinking about lifting, but it's serious beginner gains we're talking about, and illustrating this article with a super-buff guy who has clearly put in some hypertrophy is a bit sensational.
- acconrad 8y agoLink to the article, for those interested: https://www.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/jn.00386.2014 https://www.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/jn.00386.2014
- rootusrootus 8y agoI still vividly remember learning years ago [the hard way] that after you build the neural improvements, they stick around even if you stop lifting for a while and your muscles get weaker. Which means when you go back to lifting again you can inadvertently go much farther than you should as you get back into it, and practically end up in traction as a result. Oh the pain...
- glangdale 8y agoYes, indeed. At a no-illusions-about-it middle aged person (46!) I have this in both weight training and Brazilian Jujitsu - it's very easy for my brain and nerves to send my muscles a message that they really shouldn't have acted on.
- tpeo 8y agoWhere can someone read more about these neuronal adaptation induced injuries?