Strength comes in many forms - here is how to develop them.

The common definition of strength is the ability to exert a force against a resistance. The strength needed for a sprinter to explode from the blocks is different from the strength needed by a weightlifter to lift a 200kg barbell. This, therefore, implies that there are various types of strength.

What are the classifications of strength?

The classifications of strength are:

Maximum strength - the greatest force that is possible in a single maximum contraction
Elastic strength - the ability to overcome resistance with a fast contraction
Strength endurance - the ability to express force many times over

How do we get strong?

A muscle will only strengthen when it is worked beyond its normal operation and is overloaded. Overload can be progressed by increasing the:

Number of repetitions of an exercise.
Number of sets of the exercise.
Intensity - reduced recovery time.

How do we develop each strength?

Maximum strength can be developed with
- weight training.
Elastic strength can be developed with
Strength endurance can be developed with

Article Reference

This article first appeared in:

MACKENZIE, B. (2003). Strength comes in many forms - here is how to develop them. Brian Mackenzie's Successful Coaching, (ISSN 1745-7513/ 3 / July), p. 7

Page Reference

If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:

MACKENZIE, B. (2003) Strength comes in many forms - here is how to develop them [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/scni3a5.htm [Accessed

About the Author

Brian Mackenzie was a British Athletics level 4 performance coach and a coach tutor/assessor. He has been coaching sprint, middle-distance, and combined event athletes for over 30 years and has more than 45 years of experience as an endurance athlete.


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