⏳ The TUT Technique: How To Supercharge Your Gains

PLUS: Muscle memory: Your body’s secret comeback tool

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TODAY’S LEVEL UP:

  • Coach’s Corner: The TUT technique: How to supercharge your gains

  • Ask The Expert: “Can I exercise with high blood pressure?”

  • Must Know: Muscle memory: Your body’s secret comeback tool

The TUT Technique: How To Supercharge Your Gains

Today, let's chat about a secret weapon in your strength training arsenal: Time Under Tension, or TUT for short. Trust me, this little gem could be the key to unlocking serious muscle gains and supercharging your workouts.

So, What's This TUT All About?

Imagine your muscles are like sponges, soaking up the benefits of each exercise. Time Under Tension is all about keeping that sponge squeezed for longer. It's the total time your muscles are working during a set - from the moment you lift the weight to holding it and then lowering it back down. The magic happens when you keep your muscles under strain for just the right amount of time.

Here’s a Quick Video from Ryan Explaining the TUT 👇

Why Should You Care About TUT?

  1. Muscle Growth: Prolonged tension on the muscles increases metabolic stress and muscle damage, two key factors for muscle growth. By extending the duration your muscles work, you stimulate more muscle fibers.

  2. Increased Intensity: Focusing on TUT can make lighter weights feel heavier, increasing workout intensity without the need for additional equipment or heavier weights.

  3. Improved Form: Slowing down your movements to increase TUT helps ensure proper form and technique, reducing the risk of injury and maximizing the effectiveness of each rep.

Remember, in the world of strength training, it's not just about how much you lift - it's about how you lift it. So, next time you're pumping iron, think about giving your muscles a bit more quality time under tension. Your future, more muscular self will thank you!

FROM RYAN’S DESK

Remember when risks were thrilling? Let’s bring that spirit back. Try a new sport, join a new fitness class, or set a bold new goal. Live fearlessly and embrace every opportunity to grow stronger. Fitness isn’t just about the body; it’s about bringing an adventurous spirit to every day. #ModernFitness

Pumping Iron with High Blood Pressure: What You Need to Know

If you're dealing with high blood pressure, you might be wondering if it's safe to exercise. The good news is that physical activity can actually help manage your blood pressure - but there are some important considerations to keep in mind.

  1. Get the Green Light: First things first consult your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen. Make sure you are cleared to do certain exercises.

  2. Start Slow and Steady: Begin with low to moderate-intensity activities like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. Gradually increase the duration and intensity as your fitness improves.

  3. Monitor Your Numbers: Invest in a home blood pressure monitor. Check your numbers before and after exercise to understand how your body responds.

  4. Warm Up and Cool Down: These aren't optional extras. A proper warm-up helps your body adjust to increased activity while cooling down prevents sudden blood pressure drops.

  5. Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is crucial for managing blood pressure. Drink water before, during, and after your workout.

  6. Listen to Your Body: If you experience chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or dizziness, stop exercising immediately and seek medical attention.

  7. Avoid Breath Holding: When lifting weights, exhale during the effort phase and inhale during the release. Holding your breath can cause dangerous spikes in blood pressure.

  8. Limit High-Intensity Workouts: While not off-limits, high-intensity exercises should be approached cautiously. Consult your doctor about incorporating these safely.

Muscle Memory: Your Body’s Secret Comeback Tool

If you've taken an extended break from your fitness routine, you might be pleasantly surprised by how quickly you can regain your previous form. This isn't just a psychological boost - it's rooted in a fascinating biological phenomenon known as muscle memory.

Muscle memory goes beyond mental recall; it's a physiological process that can significantly impact your fitness journey. Here's what you need to know:

  1. Cellular Adaptation: When you build muscle, your muscle cells increase their nuclei count. These additional nuclei persist even during periods of inactivity.

  2. Efficient Rebuilding: Upon resuming exercise, these extra nuclei facilitate faster protein synthesis and muscle growth, giving you a head start on reclaiming lost muscle mass.

  3. Accelerated Progress: Thanks to this cellular advantage, you can regain previous muscle mass more rapidly than it took to build initially.

  4. Long-Term Benefits: Research indicates that this muscle memory effect can last for considerable periods, potentially months or even years.

The Takeaway: While consistent exercise is ideal, it's reassuring to know that temporary breaks won't entirely undo your hard work. Your muscles retain a "memory" of their previous state, making the road back to fitness a bit less daunting.

So, the next time life interferes with your workout schedule, remember: your muscles are more forgiving than you might think. They're patiently waiting to help you make a comeback.

Ryan Engel, Intl. Fat Loss Coach

Ryan is a leading fitness coach and one of the most known professionals in the space.

He specializes in Body Recomposition and visual body aesthetics and has reached millions worldwide with his powerful messaging. He brings a unique, non-nonsense, yet sophisticated approach to body change.

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Publisher: Ryan Engel

Editor: Michael Pender

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