What is muscle hypertrophy?

Muscle hypertrophy refers specifically to the increase in the cross-sectional area of a muscle, which occurs as a result of resistance training or other forms of intense exercise. This process is primarily driven by the body’s adaptation to the stresses placed upon the muscles, leading to a growth in muscle fiber size. When the muscle fibers experience tension during workouts, micro-tears occur, and the body repairs these fibers, reinforcing and enlarging them.

This physiological response is what contributes to greater muscle mass and strength over time. It's essential to differentiate hypertrophy from other physiological changes, such as improvements in endurance or strength, which can occur through different training adaptations. The concept of an increase in body fat percentage is unrelated to muscle hypertrophy, as it pertains to the accumulation of fat rather than muscle tissue. Therefore, understanding muscle hypertrophy is vital for anyone focusing on strength training and muscle development.