Muscle Function

Broadly muscle function can be considered in terms of:
   1.  Strength or technically speaking force generation, and,
   2.  Endurance or the ability to resist fatigue and continue to work or contract,

Strength is generally considered more important in maximal high performance sporting applications such as weight lifting. More commonly for the functional capacity of the average person endurance will be the major factor. Endurance of course is a broad term and for the purpose of the XT the emphasis is on strength-endurance. Strength-endurance (SE) is essentially the ability to produce moderate to high intensity muscle contractions over an extended period of time.

The data collected through testing the XT shows that at a 60 degree swing angle the weight-bearing loads peak in the downswing (dependent on the movement sequence being performed) at around 2.0 x the bodyweight of the rider. So for a 75kg person the weight bearing load for each downswing would be 150kg (see data figures below). If the rider were to exercise for 10 minutes at this swing height with 30 swing turns per minute he/she would have experienced total load bearing of 45,000kg for the workout! All of which occurs WITHOUT any impact stress!

The muscle contractions when riding the XT are a combination of isometric (predominant in the lower body) eccentric (some lower and some upper body) and concentric (predominant in the upper body). The loading data has already been discussed but the mode of contraction is significant when considering functional outcome for the rider. A combination of this contraction force and contraction type produces lactic acid. Lactic acid production stimulates lactate tolerance adaptations and improved lactate tolerance is the most important adaptation of all for improving endurance and delaying fatigue. The significant occurrence of isometric muscular work has significant benefits for stability training and has a strong rehabilitation application. To summarise, a structured progressive workout plan on the XT will produce:

1. Increased muscle strength generally
2. Increased strength-endurance
3. Improved tolerance of lactic acid (reduced fatigue)
4. Increased isometric strength and endurance for stability and rehabilitation training
5. Improved eccentric strength which is critical to minimise muscle strains and tears

So is it possible to get stronger AND fitter whilst actually enjoying your workout?

IT IS NOW!