Which of the following statements is FALSE? ?
A Gradual increase in the training stimulus, with small steps, is recommended for athletes. ?
B Muscle hypertrophy occurs due to training. ?
C Stagnation or decline in performance occurs due to extended training interruption. ?
D Muscle atrophy occurs due to disuse of muscles.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The FALSE statement is:
A) Gradual increase in the training stimulus, with small steps, is recommended for athletes.
Explanation:
While it is true that athletes often need to increase the intensity of their training over time, this should be done strategically, not necessarily with “small steps.” The principle of progressive overload suggests that in order for muscles and performance to improve, the training load must gradually increase, but the rate of increase may vary depending on the individual’s experience level and the goals of the training program.
Athletes at different stages of training may experience more significant jumps in intensity (or even different types of stimuli), such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or other forms of intensive work, which can bring faster results. Thus, the key is more about the right balance and variation in stimuli to prevent plateaus or injury, rather than focusing solely on “small steps.”
Now let’s review the other statements, which are true:
B) Muscle hypertrophy occurs due to training: This is correct. Muscle hypertrophy refers to the increase in the size of muscle fibers due to resistance training or weightlifting. This occurs when muscles are subjected to stress that causes small tears, leading to repair and growth.
C) Stagnation or decline in performance occurs due to extended training interruption: This statement is accurate. When training is interrupted for a prolonged period, there is a loss of conditioning, strength, and endurance. This is why consistency is crucial for maintaining and improving performance.
D) Muscle atrophy occurs due to disuse of muscles: This is true. Muscle atrophy is the reduction in muscle mass due to inactivity or lack of use. When muscles are not regularly engaged, the body will begin to break down muscle fibers for energy, leading to a decrease in size and strength.
Thus, the incorrect statement is “A,” because it oversimplifies the approach to increasing training intensity.