What does tempo training focus on?

Tempo training primarily focuses on performing repetitions at a specific cadence, which can significantly influence how the muscles are engaged during an exercise. By controlling the speed at which each phase of a lift is executed—such as the concentric (lifting), eccentric (lowering), and isometric (pausing) movements—an individual can target different muscle fibers more effectively and enhance overall strength and hypertrophy.

This method of training allows for a greater emphasis on muscle tension throughout the entire movement, leading to increased time under tension (TUT). By manipulating tempo, a bodybuilder can fine-tune their workouts to achieve specific training goals, such as explosive strength or muscle endurance.

Other training modalities may incorporate factors such as workout intensity, rest periods, or volume, but the essence of tempo training lies specifically in the timing and rhythm of the repetitions, making it a unique and powerful tool in a bodybuilder's training arsenal.