From Stress to Strength Hypertrophy and How theBody Adapts

BY PAUL A. MEDINA

Why do we sometimes feel inflamed or bloated after eating, being sick, or experiencing too much heat? Our cells are going through a response in which they can become enlarged and swell. This response can be good or bad depending on the stimulus. A similar response happens during exercise. That is why tempo, repetitions, sets, frequency, time and effect are important during a training session. As swelling occurs, the autonomic nervous system gives us feedback. The heart elevates,

we begin to sweat, and our bodies can produce involuntary responses, including changes in breathing, voice and other physical reactions.

Hypertrophy is the enlargement of an organ or tissue caused by an increase in the size of its existing cells. When a person works out, this increase in cellular response can have a positive effect. During hypertrophy training, muscle cells undergo physical stress that triggers internal repair and growth. The cells expand as they pack in more actin and myosin and store more energy-rich glycogen.

There are two main types of muscle hypertrophy: myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic. Myofibrillar hypertrophy involves the proteins that allow muscles to contract. Think of the muscle fibers like a sponge: as you repeatedly squeeze and release it through exercise, the muscle

responds to that stress.

The response to exercise can be positive or negative. Myofibrils contracting too much in a certain amount of time can increase lactic acid and create strain on the body. Too much intensity for too long can also create a negative recovery response. Recovery can happen

within seconds or minutes, depending on how much a person’s body weight and cardiovascular system can endure during a set or phase.

The body achieves cellular growth through four main steps: musculoskeletal tension, micro tears, protectorate cells and metabolic stress. These processes are part of the body’s response to physical stress and recovery.

But what happens when the body is already dealing with a medical condition?

What if a person has a condition such as amyloidosis and is concerned that

working too hard could create a negative response? In amyloidosis, proteins can

become damaged, and tissue repair can work negatively. The question

then becomes: What is the best form of movement for that individual?

It is important to understand that hypertrophy involves glycogen and protein

under tension. Protein is important during these elevated hypertrophic responses

because myosin and sarcomeres are among the tissues involved in muscle

activity. Whether a person is healthy and fit or working to become fit, the goal is to

encourage an anabolic response rather than a catabolic one.

As we age, our bodies continue to change. Death and aging are inevitable,

but our bodies are magnificent and can help us slow the cellular process by

allowing our cells to age with maturity and strength.

At Capital Energy Training, the focus is on pliability and the repairing

of muscle tissues through hands-on manual work. Relaxing and reshaping

the neuromuscular system can provide positive feedback to the body. The

goal is to help alleviate fear and stress and support a well-rounded, healthy,

exuberant, elastic and strong human. Remember: “It should never feel like work

when you wake up in the morning.

” Stay strong, be healthy, but most importantly, be happy.

Paul A. Medina, a former collegiate baseball athlete, founded Capital Energy Training In 2014. Its success Iies in providing scientifically backed personal training through thoughtful, customized exercise. He has a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology, and numerous other certifications.

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