Tempo: What does it do?

[Hunter]

This is not the usual question about "what does 311 mean?" I'm curious about how the different tempo schemes affect muscles?

I began wondering about this while doing HT1 when I started doing heavier weights and I realized I was slowing down during the push phase (in squats, for example) as I increased the weights I was using. In other words, when I lifted a heavier weight, I reached a point where I couldn't maintain the "normal" tempo. I would maintain my form, but slow down during a weak point in my range of motion (the mid-point of a squat). Does this mean I'm using too much weight?

Multiple issues at work here I guess, but I looked back through all pages of the NROL forum and couldn't find a similar discussion.

[Cynic]

A longer eccentric and/or pause at the end of the eccentric eliminates the elastic spring effect of the stretch shortening cycle. Thus, you end up having to work harder to move the weight.

In addition, it becomes another factor working against adaptation.

[JBH]

Originally Posted by Hunter

This is not the usual question about "what does 311 mean?" I'm curious about how the different tempo schemes affect muscles?

I began wondering about this while doing HT1 when I started doing heavier weights and I realized I was slowing down during the push phase (in squats, for example) as I increased the weights I was using. In other words, when I lifted a heavier weight, I reached a point where I couldn't maintain the "normal" tempo. I would maintain my form, but slow down during a weak point in my range of motion (the mid-point of a squat). Does this mean I'm using too much weight?

Multiple issues at work here I guess, but I looked back through all pages of the NROL forum and couldn't find a similar discussion.

Same question for me. I wrote a wordy response in another thread before discovering this one. Bumping this one just in case the other gets lost/ignored or vice versa. Don't worry, I don't normally do this type of thing, but this question has been nagging at me for some time.

[JBH]

Oops. Somehow missed seeing Cynic's reply (my search on "Tempo" led me to the original post, which seemed not to have received a reply).

Cynic: In my experience, I would have to use a lighter weight in order to pause at the end of the eccentric, as you describe. Are you saying that the "working harder" effect of pausing will equal or 'outweigh' having to use a lighter weight than not pausing?

P.S. I know, old thread. But it seemed to be the most relevant, so I opted to resurrect it rather than create yet another new one...