# Eccentric training

Eccentric training emphasizes the lengthening phase of a muscle contraction. Think of the lowering part of a squat or a curl. Your muscles can produce more force when lengthening than when shortening. So you generate high mechanical tension, at a relatively low metabolic cost. That makes eccentric work great for building strength, muscle size, and tendon stiffness. It is also widely used to rehab tendon injuries (tendinopathy). Older adults tolerate it well. But next-day muscle soreness is common.

## Sources

- Hody S, Croisier JL, Bury T, Rogister B, Leprince P. (2019). Eccentric muscle contractions: risks and benefits. Frontiers in Physiology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2019.00536

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