Why is it important for most exercises to be performed through a full range of motion?

Performing exercises through a full range of motion is crucial for promoting muscle growth because it ensures that the muscle fibers are maximally recruited during the contraction and elongation phases of the movement. This full extension and contraction allow for greater tension to be applied to the muscles, which is a key factor in stimulating hypertrophy— the process of increasing muscle size.

When a muscle is worked through its entire range, it helps to engage both the primary muscle and the surrounding synergistic and stabilizing muscles. This not only fosters balanced development but also promotes overall functional strength. By activating more muscle fibers over a greater range, the body can adapt to higher loads and effectively increase muscle mass.

In the context of bodybuilding and strength training, this adherence to full range of motion can also improve the efficiency and effectiveness of a workout. It is important for achieving optimal results in muscle growth while also minimizing the risk of plateaus in progress.