Factors effecting strength

• Fast twitch muscle fibers


  Also known as fast glycolytic or FG fibers, they have a higher proportion in people with greater relative strength
• Fast twitch muscle fibers

  • Larger motor units capable of greater force and speed production
• Fast twitch muscle fiber proportion is a genetic predisposition, only affected to a certain degree by training and lifestyle
• Cross-sectional area of muscle


  The scale or diameter of the muscle when cut through the frontal plane, a larger cross-section indicates greater strength potential
• Larger cross-sectional muscle area

  Indicates greater strength
• Lean muscle tissue


  Muscle tissue with minimal fat deposits, more common in males due to higher testosterone levels
• Female muscle


  Muscle tissue with higher fat deposits, more common in females due to higher estrogen levels
• Males typically reach peak strength in their 20s, while females often peak between 17-25 years old
• Training can increase muscle strength through adaptation
• Weakest point in the range of motion (ROM)


  The point in a movement where the muscle produces the least force, often at the extremity of the ROM
• Focusing on the weakest point in the ROM is important for proper weight training technique