Bodybuilding Essentials 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'time under tension' in resistance training?
- The total duration a muscle is under load during a set (Correct answer)
- The rest time between sets
- The time spent stretching
- The length of a cardio session
Correct answer: The total duration a muscle is under load during a set
Time under tension measures how long a muscle resists load, a factor in hypertrophy stimulus.
Question 2: Which hormone is most associated with promoting muscle growth?
- Testosterone (Correct answer)
- Insulin's only role is fat storage
- Cortisol
- Melatonin
Correct answer: Testosterone
Testosterone strongly supports muscle protein synthesis and recovery.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a 'deload' week?
- To reduce training intensity and allow recovery (Correct answer)
- To maximize one-rep maxes
- To skip eating entirely
- To add the heaviest weights possible
Correct answer: To reduce training intensity and allow recovery
A deload lowers volume or intensity so the body can recover and prevent overtraining.
Question 4: Which rep range is most commonly cited as the 'hypertrophy zone'?
- About 6 to 12 reps (Correct answer)
- About 1 to 2 reps
- About 30 to 40 reps
- Reps do not matter
Correct answer: About 6 to 12 reps
Moderate loads in roughly the 6 to 12 rep range are widely used for muscle building.
Question 5: What does the term 'cutting' refer to in bodybuilding?
- Eating at a deficit to lose fat while keeping muscle (Correct answer)
- Gaining as much weight as possible
- Stopping all training
- Removing protein from the diet
Correct answer: Eating at a deficit to lose fat while keeping muscle
A cut uses a caloric deficit and adequate protein to reduce fat while preserving lean mass.
Question 6: Why is hydration important for muscle performance?
- Muscle cells need water for function and pumps (Correct answer)
- Water replaces the need for protein
- It only matters for cardio
- Dehydration improves strength
Correct answer: Muscle cells need water for function and pumps
Muscle tissue is largely water, and proper hydration supports strength, recovery, and fullness.
Question 7: What is the role of carbohydrates around a workout?
- To fuel performance and replenish glycogen (Correct answer)
- To block muscle growth
- To dehydrate the body
- To replace sleep
Correct answer: To fuel performance and replenish glycogen
Carbs supply glycogen, the muscle's primary energy source for intense training.
Bodybuilding Essentials 3
What is 'time under tension' in resistance training?