General
negatives
What does negatives mean?
Reps that focus on the eccentric (lowering) portion of a movement, often lowering a heavier-than-normal weight slowly.
"Slow negatives on chin-ups wreck your lats."
Origin
Bodybuilding term for eccentric-focused training.
Frequently asked questions
What are negatives in lifting?
Negatives are reps that emphasise the eccentric, or lowering, phase of a movement, often lowering a heavier-than-usual weight slowly and under control.
Do negatives build muscle?
Yes, the eccentric phase is a strong driver of muscle growth and can help build strength, though it also causes more soreness.
Why do negatives cause so much DOMS?
Eccentric contractions create more muscle-fibre microdamage than lifting the weight up, which is why heavy negatives often leave you extra sore.
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