quick question re: weights

[Novgrod]

If somebody could tell me the physiological effect of a) lifting a weight for three sets of eight, let's say, or holding a weight, say, half contraction, for x number of seconds?

The instance I'm thinking of is holding yourself in a pullup position, chin above the bar, versus doing chinups. If somebody knows the difference and would care to share, i'd be much obliged.

Thanks.

 

[Novgrod]

bump in the night

TIA for help

 

[RegaPlanet]

Well I can give ya a little insight. When you do the complete range of motion for a muscle you work the muscle fibres much deeper cause of a more complete contraction. Not all muscle fibres will be worked significantly enough at the same time at any one moment during a contraction. So if yer just holding yourself in a steady state you will only work a limited area of muscle fibres in said muscle group. Kinda hard to explain especially since I havn't taken biology for awhile. Also maybe think of it this way. When your bicep is full contracted it's working your inner most muscle fibres the most and outer the least. When your bicep is just starting to contract from a natural stationary position it would be working the most superficial of muscle fibres most. I'm not 100% sure this is true but from a physics standpoint it would make the most sense from a torque aspect. Anyway, hope this helps a little

 

[Novgrod]

Thanks for the info; that about covers it.