Uploaded January 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
When we talk about strength in the gym we’re actually referring to torque to muscle force. That’s because the same muscle force can lift different amounts of weight depending on variations in bone length and tendon insertions.
You are able to lift a weight when the torque generated by your muscles is higher than the torque created by the weight.
The torque exerted by the weight depends on two factors:
The load itself (that is, kilograms x gravity)
The distance from the joint to where the weight is applied (basically the length of the bone which holds the weight)
The torque generated by your muscles depends on:
The force of muscle contraction
The distance between the joint and the point where the muscles pull on the bone
Short bones and long tendon insertions create a large mechanical advantage resulting in amazing strength. On the other hand, long bones and short tendon insertions create pathetic strength.
When we talk about strength in the gym we’re actually referring to torque to muscle force. That’s because the same muscle force can lift different amounts of weight depending on variations in bone length and tendon insertions.
You are able to lift a weight when the torque generated by your muscles is higher than the torque created by the weight.
The torque exerted by the weight depends on two factors:
The load itself (that is, kilograms x gravity)
The distance from the joint to where the weight is applied (basically the length of the bone which holds the weight)
The torque generated by your muscles depends on:
The force of muscle contraction
The distance between the joint and the point where the muscles pull on the bone
Short bones and long tendon insertions create a large mechanical advantage resulting in amazing strength. On the other hand, long bones and short tendon insertions create pathetic strength.
