Strength expression is movement-specific, but in untrained individuals, neuromuscular adaptation from compound movements provides greater initial strength gains than specificity-driven training.
What the Evidence Shows
We analyzed the available evidence and found that strength expression tends to be movement-specific, meaning your body gets better at the exact movements you practice. However, for people who are new to training, compound movements—like squats, deadlifts, and presses that involve multiple joints...
Evidence from Studies
Task Specificity of Dynamic Resistance Training and Its Transferability to Non-trained Isometric Muscle Strength: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-025-02225-2
Comparison of Muscle Hypertrophy and Strength Adaptations Induced by Back Squat and Leg Extension Resistance Exercises.
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000005338
Effects of a 20-Week High-Intensity Strength Training Program on Muscle Strength Gain and Cardiac Adaptation in Untrained Men: Preliminary Results of a Prospective Longitudinal Study
DOI: 10.2196/47876
Anatomical and Neuromuscular Determinants of Strength Change in Previously Untrained Men Following Heavy Strength Training
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01001
Update History
- Invalid DateNew topic created from assertion