1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Exercise

Eccentric

By Paige Waehner, About.com Guide

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition: The negative or lowering phase of an isotonic contraction—also called negative curls. An example would be the lowering phase of a bicep curl.

What some people don't know is that it's the eccentric contraction that often causes muscle soreness because, as you lower the weight, your muscle is actually stretching at the same time they are contracting. This can result in muscle soreness, but it's a temporary soreness that should go away in a few days after exercise.

Explore Exercise
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Exercise

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.