Hypertrophy refers to the enlargement of an organ or tissue due to an increase in the size of its cells. In the context of exercise, this term is often associated with muscle growth. When individuals engage in resistance training, their muscles experience stress, which leads to the breakdown of muscle fibers. The body then repairs these fibers, resulting in an increase in muscle size and strength.
Understanding how hypertrophy works is essential for those seeking to improve their physical fitness. During resistance training, muscles undergo a process called protein synthesis, where new proteins are created to repair damaged muscle fibers. This process leads to an increase in muscle mass, which in turn enhances overall strength and endurance.
To maximize hypertrophy, individuals should focus on incorporating progressive overload into their workouts, which involves gradually increasing the intensity, volume, or frequency of their training sessions. This approach ensures that muscles continue to adapt and grow, ultimately leading to improved physical performance.