11/24/2025
Lifting variables
🔀 Programming variables can help athletes push past sticking points, develop specific attributes specific to their sport, and alleviate boredom
5️⃣ Here are 5 ways you can make small adjustments to get more out of your workout
1. X:Y:Z - these refer to the time (in seconds) in each of the 3 phases of muscle contraction- concentric:isometric:eccentric; concentric refers to the muscle shortening to produce work, isometric refers to work under tension with no movement and eccentric refers to the muscle lengthening to produce work; you can program shorter concentrics, longer isometrics or super slow eccentrics to manipulate time under tension
2. Plyometrics - the muscle produces the most amount of force in the least amount of time; think “throwing” as hard as you can
3. Eccentrics - using both limbs to move the weight and unilaterally lowering the weight; hypothetically you can load 250% more weight with the eccentric portion (using a partner assist is another strategy)
4. Isometric - holding the joint in a certain position for a specified amount of time; allows for prolonged time under tension, facilitating specific adaptations for muscles and ligaments
5. Unilateral - isolating a single limb can challenge balance and muscle recruitment patterns