Definition
The force produced when muscles contract against resistance, considered a primary driver of muscle growth. The scientific explanation for why muscles get bigger when you make them work really, really hard.
Example Usage
To maximize mechanical tension, I focus on controlled reps with progressively heavier weights, not swinging dumbbells like I'm fighting invisible enemies.
Origin
Exercise physiology and hypertrophy research terminology from the 2000s-2010s
Fun Fact
Of the three mechanisms of muscle growth (mechanical tension, metabolic stress, and muscle damage), mechanical tension is considered the most important, making progressive overload king.
Source: Muscle physiology and resistance training research
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