In technical terms " a concentric contraction immediately following
an eccentric contraction will generate more force than if performed
in isolation."
This increased force generation is due to ; the tendon elasticity
potential energy stored in the actin/myosin cross bridges, better
length tension relationship muscle spindles ( stretch receptors
) continuing to fire.
In the gym this means that if you relax your muscles at the fully
extended position of a lift you will find it much more difficult
to contract the muscle again. Any one who has tried a 1 rep max
lift will have experienced this, if you stop at the bottom, it's
over! In practical terms you need to make the fully extended part
of the lift very controlled to minimise the risk of injury, however,
there is definitely a difference between bouncing out of the bottom
and moving slowly while maintaining the tension in the muscles.
Give it a try, but remember, if you stop at the bottom (the fully
extended position of a movement) the next rep will be much harder.
