What is Strength Training

This video and article discusses

the theory of strength training and it’s application
where it originates from
definition of strength and strength training

What is Strength?

Reportedly in the 17^th century, Sir Isaac Newton was sitting in his garden, thinking about the universe, when an apple fell on his head.

In this moment he had an epiphany telling him about the laws of gravitation and he derived his second law of motion.

Newton’s second law of motion states that acceleration is the result of a force acting upon mass. The greater the mass, the greater the amount of force needed. The formula for this is force equals mass times acceleration. Force is not only about the mass we lift, it’s also the amount of acceleration we can produce with that object.

The Physics Behind What is Strength Training

To recap: force is the product of mass and acceleration, consequently, the heavier an object is, the more force we need to produce to move that object the same distance as a lighter object.

This brings us to the next formula: force multiplied by distance is work.

This may sound complicated, but it is not. What this breaks down to in practice is that, for example, the depth in a squat is important because we apply the same amount of force over a greater or lesser distance. Whether we do a Back Squat, Front Squat, Overhead Squat, etc., if we use the same weight and we go lower, we do more work than if we use the same weight and don’t go as far.

To recap: Force equals mass multiplied by acceleration. Work is force multiplied by distance.

Defining Strength First to Understand What Strength Training is

A definition of strength is: ‘Strength is the ability to produce force in order to overcome resistance’.

Before, we saw that force equals mass multiplied by acceleration, so anything where we exert force in order to overcome resistance falls under the category of strength.

So, what is strength training?

Strength training is the form of training where you train to overcome resistance.

What is Strength Training in Practice

Strength can be trained in a number of ways. We can use various strength training modes, such as free weights, including barbells, dumbbells and / or kettle bells. We can also use our own body weight, use strength training machines, or use resistance bands. We can even use chains, which I will explore in another video. It’s important to remember that strength training does not require a specific method or type of weight. Whether with free weights, body weight exercises, or anything else, strength training is the ability to produce force in order to overcome resistance. In my next video, I will go deeper into the practical applications of strength training.

Concluding What is Strength Training

To recap:

What is strength?

Strength is the ability to exert force in order to overcome resistance.

What is strength training?

Strength training is any form of training where you train the ability to overcome resistance.

Strength is trained with different training modes, including free weights (barbells, dumbbells, kettle bells), strength training machines, resistance bands or various other implements. Important to know is when to use what, how to use it and why you use it.