Strength vs. Mass

[Temple]

This has bugged my for a long time and perhaps someone can put me out of my misery by explaining it. Mass and Strength are two seperate things but what is their relationship to each other. Generally when you add mass you also get stronger but there are some wiry little guys who are very strong and some big guys who are weak. Some AS are great for strength but not as good for adding mass... What factors determine muscle strength?

 

[Temple]

Thanks Spats - I now understand!!!!!!!!

 

[wilson6]

Force generation is related in large part to muscle cross-sectional area. However, mass could equal anything (water, fat, connective tissue, etc.) In general, if you increase contractile proteins in the muscle and that is responsible for increased mass, then you will see an increase in strength. There are many other factors as well, but on an absolute basis, a bigger muscle will generate more force if the bigger component is contractile tissue (myosin and actin).

W6

 

[Hannibal]

Glad to hear I'm not the only one that's "thick."