Strength, Endurance, & Fatigue

[Ox 51]

The Differences Between Muscle Strength, Muscle Endurance & Muscle Fatigue​

May 26, 2011 | By Michelle Zehr
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Overview​

The muscular system is a complex system comprised of muscles, fibers, tendons and ligaments. These parts work together in order for your body to perform movements and engage in physical activity. Muscle strength and endurance play a large role in how much work you are able to do with your muscles, while muscle fatigue occurs as the result of doing too much work with your muscles. Strength, endurance and fatigue are all very different components of your muscular system. However, they are directly related.​

</SECTION><SECTION class=section>Muscular System​

Your muscular system is a series of muscles that allow for the movement of your bones and joints. Muscles in your body create a tension that is controlled by the central nervous system. This tension manipulates your bones into producing movements. Muscles move and stabilize the structures of our bodies. Muscles are comprised of fibers and tendons. These tendons and fibers are attached to your bones and joints and generate the forces necessary to help your joints extend and contract. The tendons that make up your muscles have poor vascularity--or blood supply. This can lead to injury and a slow recovery.​

</SECTION><SECTION class=section>Muscle Strength​

In terms of exercise and athletics, strength is the ability of your muscles to generate force against physical objects, such as swinging a baseball bat. Strength can also include how much weight you can lift if you are a bodybuilder or if you are engaging in strength training. You can use dumbbells, resistance bands, machines, cables, barbells or your own body weight as resistance during strength training. The more strength you're able to apply to a physical object or the more weight you are able to lift, the larger your muscles, ligaments and tendons will become and will be able to exert more force.​

</SECTION><SECTION class=section>Muscle Endurance​

Muscle endurance is the ability of your body to produce lower levels of force and maintain these levels for an extended time frame. Muscular endurance also entails the ability of your muscles to overcome gravity, momentum and ground reaction forces on a continual basis. Muscle endurance is important in your ability to reduce the risk of injury while exercising. Endurance also enables the proper functioning and performance of your muscles. The ability of your muscles to produce force also minimizes unwanted stress on your joints, improves posture and promotes the stabilization of your muscles throughout exercise and strength training programs.​

</SECTION><SECTION class=section>Muscle Fatigue​

Muscle fatigue can be the result of over-exercising. When your muscles are overworked, you may not be able to run as far or complete as many repetitions during weightlifting. When your muscles become fatigued, your brain attempts to protect your muscles by reducing the rate at which nerve impulses are sent to the muscles you are currently using. Nerve impulses tell your muscles to move. When fewer nerve impulses are sent to your muscles, they are unable to perform at their normal rate. You can overcome muscle fatigue by avoiding over-training and allowing yourself to rest a few days during the week. Rest allows your muscles to replenish themselves. You can also stay hydrated during exercise and consume carbohydrates and proteins to fuel your body.
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[big in vegas]

Good info about the muscular system