slow & controlled vs explosive? which is better?

[gonzo11]

Or are they used for different things? I tend to use a more explosive movement on some exercises, and slow & controlled on others. My wife is working out with me and asking which she should be doing. Are there particular benefits to one or the other? Thanks...

[Hatred]

Both.
Slow and controlled in between heavy balls-out sessions.
It's a way to use less weight with good results. Easy on the joints.

[BG5150]

Eccentric: slow and controlled
Concentric: explosive

[Adam]

In general I agree
It does matter what your goals are though, strength, size.
But, for any new lifter, say under 6 months, I'd recommend not going explosive at all. Its essential to learn the movement before going explosive on it(for newbie's)

[TommyBoy]

Eccentric: slow and controlled
Concentric: explosive
Yep.

[beachmuscles]

I go really heavy and always do everything slow & controlled...is this ok? :scratch:

[ToughStuff]

Slow and controlled is better.

[DSmith22]

I personally suggest slow and controlled

[BG5150]

Explosive doesn't mean reckless. Power is Work/Time. Therefore moving more weight in less time equates to more power.

That is not to say you start slinging weights all over the place. You can be explosive AND controlled at the same time.

When you squat do you take your time moving the weight up? Hell no! What about DL's. Same answer.

[DSmith22]

I understand what your saying and if im maxing out or something like that I push that **** up as hard as i can granted it isnt fast due to its heavy as **** but when it comes down to working out Id rather do it nice and slow.

[BG5150]

I understand what your saying and if im maxing out or something like that I push that **** up as hard as i can granted it isnt fast due to its heavy as **** but when it comes down to working out Id rather do it nice and slow.

If you go "nice and slow" in your regular workout, you muscles will get used to that and your max will suffer--they just won't be used to that kind of stress. It's kind of like a guy who specializes in the 5k and then enters a 100 metre sprint; his time (in the sprint) is bound to suffer.

[DSmith22]

Maybe ive been going at this all wrong. When I say nice an slow the way I lift say for benching I usually workout with dumbells so I go down really slow usually about a 3 second negative then I push up and im at the top around 1-1.5 seconds that is what I consider nice and slow.

[BFGUITAR]

Deadlifts are meant to be explosive... I cant imagine bringing heavy weight up slowly while deadlifting unless your barely making the lift.

[SupRsmall]

Slow Negative, Explosive Positive.

[DSmith22]

Slow Negative, Explosive Positive.

lol summed up all 5 paragraphs of **** i wrote up into 4 words amazing

[BG5150]

lol summed up all 5 paragraphs of **** i wrote up into 4 words amazing

And I thought my six word missive was impressive. (see post # 3)

[bics56]

Slow Negative, Explosive Positive.

Me too

[Vapour Trails]

It depends on why you are lifting in the first place. Sport specific training, powerlifting, olympic lifting should be done as fast a possible on the concentric to develop power.

[TommyBoy]

Eccentric: slow and controlled
Concentric: explosive


Slow Negative, Explosive Positive.

Compulsatory exceleration.....it's a Weider Principle folks!