Strength isn’t one-size-fits-all.
I’ve worked with enough athletes over the years to tell you this—two people can train the same way and get completely different results.
That’s because strength isn’t just about muscle. It’s a combination of your structure, your nervous system, and how well everything works together.
If you want to reach your potential, you need to understand how your body produces force—and how to train it the right way.
The Physical Side of Strength
This is what most people focus on—the muscle itself.
And yes, it matters. But it’s only part of the picture.
- Muscle Fiber Type: Some people are built for power. Some are built for endurance. Most are somewhere in between.
- Muscle Size: Bigger muscles can produce more force. This is where hypertrophy plays a major role.
- Length-Tension Relationships: You are stronger in certain positions than others. This is why angles matter in training.
- Tendon Strength and Stiffness: Your tendons transfer force. If they’re not prepared, they become the weak link.
This is your foundation—but it’s not what separates good from great.
The Nervous System: Where Strength Is Expressed
You don’t just have strength—you express it.
And that comes from your nervous system.
- Motor Unit Recruitment: How much muscle you can actually use at one time
- Rate Coding: How fast you can apply force
- Inhibition: Your body limits force to protect you—training teaches it when to let go
- Coordination: How well your muscles work together to produce force efficiently
This is why two athletes with the same size can perform completely differently.
One knows how to use what they have. The other doesn’t.
Different Types of Strength (And Why They Matter)
Strength shows up differently depending on the goal.
- Absolute Strength: The most weight you can move. This is your ceiling.
- Relative Strength: How strong you are for your size. Critical for bodyweight and weight-class sports.
- Explosive Strength: How fast you can apply force. This is what wins in sport.
Most people only train one of these—and that’s where they stall.
You need all three, developed in the right way, at the right time.
What This Means For Your Training
If you train like everyone else, you’ll get average results.
Your training needs to reflect:
- Your structure
- Your strengths and weaknesses
- Your sport or goal
- Your current level of development
This is where real coaching matters.
Not random workouts. Not trends. Not guesswork.
Applied training that actually moves you forward.
Take Away
You don’t just build strength—you develop the ability to use it.
Muscle matters. The nervous system matters. Position matters.
When all of it comes together—that’s when performance shows up.
That’s athlete-specific strength.
Train With Purpose
If you want training that’s built around you—not some generic program—then it’s time to take the next step.
→ Apply for Executive Coaching
→ Join Grinder Gym — Where Your Results Matter
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