There are three types of muscle contraction – concentric, eccentric and isometric.

Take the example of a bicep curl.  When you bend your arm away from the floor you are performing a concentric contraction to overcome gravity, creating muscle power. 

Straightening the arm is the eccentric phase when you are resisting gravity, building muscle strength.

An isometric contraction refers to a static hold against gravity.

Exercises can be made harder by adding weights, using a resistance band or your own body weight.  Another way to increase the intensity is by slowing down the movement.

A complete training programme should include all three types of muscle contractions to build stamina, strength and power.

I smiled this week when I read about the Duchess of Cambridge’s Pilates-honed deltoids wearing a beautiful monochrome dress at the premiere of Top Gun 2!  Get ready to dust off the weights in next week’s classes!!