What does the term 'time under tension' (TUT) refer to in strength training?

The term 'time under tension' (TUT) specifically refers to the duration that muscles are under strain during an exercise set. This includes the entire period your muscles are actively contracting, regardless of whether the movement is performed slowly or quickly. When focusing on TUT, fitness professionals often emphasize the benefits of increasing the amount of time the muscles are engaged during each repetition, which can lead to greater muscle growth and strength development.

Understanding TUT is crucial for structuring training programs aimed at hypertrophy, as it encourages the right balance of mechanical tension, metabolic stress, and muscle fatigue. Thus, it is a key concept that informs how trainers and athletes design their workouts to optimize performance and results.