A November 2022 study by Edith Cowan University, Niigata University and Nishi Kyushu University in Japan and Brazil’s Londrina State University, said,

  • “We already know only one eccentric muscle contraction a day can increase muscle strength if it is performed five days a week — even if it’s only three seconds a day — but concentric (lifting a weight) or isometric muscle contraction (holding a weight) does not provide such an effect,” 

  • “This latest study shows we can be far more efficient in the time we spend exercising and still see significant results by focusing on eccentric muscle contractions.”

  • “In the case of a dumbbell curl, many people may believe the lifting action provides the most benefit, or at least some benefit, but we found concentric muscle contractions contributed little to the training effects.”

  •  “Understanding the benefits of eccentric-focused training can allow people to spend their time exercising more efficiently.”

  • “With the small amount of daily exercise needed to see results, people don’t necessarily even have to go to the gym — they can incorporate eccentric exercise into their everyday routine.”