Limit Strength

Limit strength is the amount of force you can generate for one all-out effort. Limit strength is basically your foundation for getting stronger. Limit strength has three sub categories, eccentric, concentric, and isometric. Limit strength is needed in sports such as shot put, football, and can only bring better athleticism for sports like baseball, basketball, wrestling and pretty much about every other sport. Limit strength is what gives a basketball player the explosion to jump high, the lineman his ability to lung forward quickly with force, the shot putter the quick drive and snap of power from the legs that drives the force from the ground through the body to the put.

Eccentric strength is measured by how much weight you can lower under controlled. Eccentric strength is done through the negative phase of a lift. For example when you lower the bar during a bench press. So what you would do to train for eccentric strength you would first start by warming up with a regular bench press for a few sets. Then, when your muscles start contracting you lower the weight and only lower the bar and the spotter raises it for you.

Concentric strength is measured by how much weight you can lift in one all out effort. Concentric strength is trained through using heavier weight in your workout. Power lifting focuses mainly to build concentric strength for example. Concentric strength is usually known of as your one rep max in lifting terms. To measure your concentric strength you use all of your energy to move the weight 1 repetition.

Isometric strength is measured by the amount of weight you can hold without losing control. To train isometric strength you would for example hold your arms straight out level with your shoulders with light weight not moving but just holding the position. This is done with any exercise to improve the isometric strength of that muscle. Training should consist of high repetitions for short periods of time. For example hold the position for 3-5 seconds 12 to 18 times.

All three areas of limit strength should be built in order to maintain a solid foundation especially if you are an athlete. Limit strength is one of the most important things for an athlete to have because if you don't have good limit strength as an athlete you will not be able to reach your full potential. Limit strength should be developed before you start your sport and should always be maintained and enhanced.