Each essay response is required to be a minimum of 250 words. Because these essays are open-book, take the time to provide ample information, detail, and personal analysis in each essay response. While there is a minimum word requirement for each essay, there is not a maximum word limit. Feel free to elaborate as needed with relevant information to meet your own personal level of satisfaction.
1. Describe the sliding filament theory, the size principle of motor unit recruitment, and the all or none theory? When training a bodybuilder, why is an understanding of these three principles necessary and how can they be applied when designing training programs for bodybuilders?
2. The author of the textbook describes six core lifts as being necessary to include when designing a training program for a bodybuilder (squat, overhead press, chin-ups, bench press, deadlift, and bar dips). Why does the author feel that these lifts should form the foundation of a bodybuilder’s program? What advantages do these lifts offer? Do you agree with the author’s assessment that these lifts should form the foundation of a training program for bodybuilders? Why or why not?
3. Describe the factors that contribute to muscle hypertrophy. When designing a training program to optimize muscle hypertrophy, what steps can you take to make sure that each factor is accounted for?
4. What style of periodization do you feel would be best for optimizing a bodybuilder’s physique? Defend your answer.
5. Briefly describe the variables that contribute to a bodybuilder’s ability to recover from training. What steps should be taken by a trainer to ensure that optimal recovery is achieved?