How do muscles get stronger?

Jim reached for the grocery bag, but it was loaded down with heavy items! “If only my muscles were stronger,” he thought! It takes hard work to get strong muscles. In their quest for stronger muscles, some grown-ups lift weights, while others do other exercises such as leg lifts. But what exactly happens during these exercises to make muscles stronger?

Putting some stress on the muscles without injuring them seems to be the key. For example, a coach or trainer may guide a person to lift a weight that is a certain number of pounds, knowing that lifting it will be a challenge, but also knowing that it is a safe exercise for the person to do! After the exercise is completed, it’s time to rest! 

During this recovery period, the body works to rebuild muscles and the tissue in between them. The exercise is then repeated. Over time, this process of exercising, resting and repeating leads to bigger, stronger muscles! Eating a healthy, balanced diet is another way to build strong muscles and have a healthy body.

Lifting weights isn’t the only way to build muscles, and it’s not always safe for kids! Other activities, such as riding your bike, raking the leaves in the yard, and washing the car can work out muscles. When you think of strong muscles, you may imagine the muscles of famous athletes on TV. But it’s important to remember that these people are grown-ups, and the strength of their muscles is very different from what is possible for a kid.

It’s also important to remember that anyone looking to increase the amount of exercise he or she does should check with a doctor, personal trainer, or other trusted adult (like a coach) before starting a new exercise routine!