Concentric and Eccentric
The two main phases of a rep: concentric (muscle shortening/lifting) and eccentric (muscle lengthening/lowering).
Detailed Explanation
Every rep has two primary phases. The concentric phase is when the muscle shortens while generating force (pushing up in a push-up, standing up from a squat). The eccentric phase is when the muscle lengthens under tension (lowering in a push-up, descending in a squat). Eccentric contractions produce more muscle damage and are a primary driver of hypertrophy. Muscles are about 20-40% stronger eccentrically than concentrically, which is why slow negatives are an effective training tool.
Related Terms
How It Relates to Fitnit
Fitnit's camera tracking sees both the concentric (lifting) and eccentric (lowering) phase of each rep, so partial reps and rushed eccentrics show up in your form analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Concentric and Eccentric mean in fitness?
The two main phases of a rep: concentric (muscle shortening/lifting) and eccentric (muscle lengthening/lowering). Every rep has two primary phases. The concentric phase is when the muscle shortens while generating force (pushing up in a push-up, standing up from a squat).
How do I apply concentric and eccentric to my workouts?
The eccentric phase is when the muscle lengthens under tension (lowering in a push-up, descending in a squat). Eccentric contractions produce more muscle damage and are a primary driver of hypertrophy. Muscles are about 20-40% stronger eccentrically than concentrically, which is why slow negatives are an effective training tool.
How does Fitnit help with concentric and eccentric?
Fitnit's camera tracking sees both the concentric (lifting) and eccentric (lowering) phase of each rep, so partial reps and rushed eccentrics show up in your form analysis.
Put Concentric and Eccentric Into Practice
Understanding concentric and eccentric is the first step. Fitnit helps you apply this knowledge with AI-powered workout tracking and nutrition analysis.