Chris Beardsley

Chris Beardsley

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Strength research analyst; summarizes peer-reviewed S&C and hypertrophy evidence.

Detraining Can Boost Speed via Fiber Shift
SocialMar 25, 2026

Detraining Can Boost Speed via Fiber Shift

Some S&C resources claim that speed is lost quickly during detraining. In fact, speed tends to increase during detraining (probably due to fiber type shifts back to type IIX). https://t.co/jn4vRuAvSR

By Chris Beardsley
TFL and Gluteus Medius Leverage Peaks at Joint Extremes
SocialMar 24, 2026

TFL and Gluteus Medius Leverage Peaks at Joint Extremes

With a straight leg, hip abduction moment arms alter over the joint angle range of motion such that the TFL and gluteus medius have best leverages at either end. https://t.co/d43ErC08BZ

By Chris Beardsley
Low-Volume, Low-Frequency Training Preserves Muscle Fascicle Lengths
SocialMar 23, 2026

Low-Volume, Low-Frequency Training Preserves Muscle Fascicle Lengths

A low-volume, low-frequency combination is able to maintain muscle fascicle lengths after eccentric-only training in humans. This suggests that maintenance of sarcomeres and myofibrils works slightly differently. https://t.co/kSamQXyhZh

By Chris Beardsley
Master CNS Fatigue to Optimize Training Variables
SocialMar 19, 2026

Master CNS Fatigue to Optimize Training Variables

Understanding how supaspinal and spinal CNS fatigue mechanisms work during exercise allows us to program training variables optimally . See more in this week's free Patreon article. https://t.co/6i4w1tPtdL

By Chris Beardsley
Non‑local Fatigue Stems From Central Nervous System Fatigue
SocialMar 17, 2026

Non‑local Fatigue Stems From Central Nervous System Fatigue

Non-local fatigue is closely associated with reductions in voluntary activation of the untrained limb, indicating that it is caused by central nervous system fatigue mechanisms. https://t.co/BSr0Cw5Qz6

By Chris Beardsley
Eccentric, Not Isometric, Contractions Drive Sarcomere Growth
SocialMar 16, 2026

Eccentric, Not Isometric, Contractions Drive Sarcomere Growth

Since eccentric contractions produce passive mechanical tension, they stimulate sarcomerogenesis, which we observe as increases in muscle fascicle length in humans. Isometric contractions at short or moderate muscle lengths do not. https://t.co/7wVgBzjELC

By Chris Beardsley
Study Finds Sarcoplasmic Hypertrophy, Yet Variable Causes Unclear
SocialMar 11, 2026

Study Finds Sarcoplasmic Hypertrophy, Yet Variable Causes Unclear

Very few studies have found evidence for preferential sarcoplasmic hypertrophy that can be attributed to a training variable. This study is an exception. Unfortunately, a variety of training variables was used, which makes it difficult to identify which was responsible....

By Chris Beardsley
Contralateral vs Non‑local Fatigue Distinguishes CNS Mechanisms
SocialMar 9, 2026

Contralateral vs Non‑local Fatigue Distinguishes CNS Mechanisms

CNS fatigue occurs during exercise due to supraspinal and spinal mechanisms. Supraspinal is likely global in nature, while spinal is not. Differences between contralateral muscle fatigue and entirely non-local muscle fatigue may help separate the two fatigue mechanisms. https://t.co/Ytl8WnBxFU

By Chris Beardsley
More Capillaries Don’t Boost Muscle Growth, Study Finds
SocialMar 9, 2026

More Capillaries Don’t Boost Muscle Growth, Study Finds

One popular idea among fitness influencers is that training blocks of light loads could increase capillary content and then permit greater muscle growth in subsequent blocks. This study shows that increasing capillarization does not facilitate hypertrophy. https://t.co/SyMoaYcHWE

By Chris Beardsley
Supaspinal CNS Fatigue Key to Optimal Strength Training
SocialMar 5, 2026

Supaspinal CNS Fatigue Key to Optimal Strength Training

Understanding how supaspinal CNS fatigue works during exercise is essential to optimal strength training programming. See more in this week's free Patreon article. https://t.co/s5U5Z5gR8G

By Chris Beardsley