Contraction

Contraction refers to the active tightening of a muscle to generate force. It can be concentric (muscle shortens, for example during lifting in a pull-up), eccentric (muscle lengthens under tension, for example while lowering the handlebar in a bench press), or isometric (muscle maintains tension without movement, such as in planks).

Each form of contraction plays an important role in training – on the EISENHORN strength station, all three can be used specifically to develop different aspects of strength.