What is F=MA and how does it relate to resistance training? -
Resistance training requires the muscles to produce force against an external resistance, be it weights, elastic bands, chains, machines or water.
If the external resistance is a weight, this force may be defined by Newton's Second Law of Motion, shown in it's simplest form F=MA (Force = Mass x Acceleration).
Lighter weights can be accelerated much faster than heavy weights, so the largest force may not automatically be associated with heavier weights.
Considering Force = Mass x Acceleration, we can apply it to produce the same degree of force in various ways:
A) where the mass is large and acceleration is small
B) where the mass is small and the acceleration is large
C) where both mass and acceleration are moderate
Since a sufficient level of muscle tension is necessary for strength training, this might suggest all these methods are entirely the same and it's just personal choice which method is used.
However the applied evidence from scientists and coaches throughout the ages, indicates that the above methods of generating force do not induce the same results because of different neural, muscular and metabolic actions involved in each method.
Generalized resistance training struggles to meet the demands of sport, whether thats Bodybuilding, Powerlifting, Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Long Distance Running or Sprinting etc. Training needs to be specific to build the top level competitor.
