There are two main types of muscle contraction that bodybuilder’s are interested in. An eccentric (or negative) muscle contraction is when the muscle lengthens under tension, generally by lowering a weight.

Bodybuilders know the importance of growth hormone (GH) for building muscle and shedding fat. While virtually every bodybuilder I know takes supplements, most don’t realize that some supplements can actually blunt the GH response to exercise.

One recent study investigated the effects of heavy resistance exercise with the oral daytime ingestion of melatonin. Some physiological responses such as growth hormone (GH) release were assessed.

Most bodybuilders understand the important role growth hormone (GH) plays in building strength and muscle mass. GH not only stimulates an increase in muscle protein synthesis, it also stimulates joint cartilage production, amino acid uptake by cells and the use of fat for fuel.