A standard tempo on a movement like a bench press might be as follows: 2 -0-1, which is 2 seconds
down during the eccentric phase when you're lowering the weight to your chest, no pause (when you change from eccentric to concentric) and 1 second up when you lifting the bar upwards.
In contrast, with the same absolute load (load lifted in both movements equal to 90 % of overhead squat), there was no difference in gastrocnemius muscle activity during the concentric phase yet greater muscle activity
during the eccentric phase when performing the overhead squat.
Most people underestimate the importance of eccentric training because they don't know that there is more mechanical load per motor
unit during the eccentric phase of an exercise, and the reason for this is that eccentric contraction involves fewer motor units.
For the Triphasic main exercises utilise compound exercises and use about 80 % of 1RM for movements with low quality repetitions such as 4 sets of 3 reps.. For eccentric focussed movement use a 5 - 6s tempo down
during the eccentric phase followed by an explosive concentric.
The energy
stored during the eccentric phase can augment the force of the concentric contraction, which means the concentric contraction is stronger if it's preceeded by an eccentric contraction.
Training with bands (vs. weights) and specifically training with an Ascending Resistance (vs. a free weight constant resistance), does not create as much
tension during this eccentric phase.
Comparing hamstring strain injury prevention and rehabilitation exercises, Orishimo & McHugh (2015) found that the supine sliding leg curl (Slider) produced greater gluteus maximus EMG
amplitude during the eccentric phase than the standing elastic - band resisted hip extension, the standing trunk flexion (Glider) or the standing split (Diver).
During the eccentric phase, both the medial and lateral gastrocnemius displayed superior muscle activity during the lock - out and mid-range, compared to the lift - off position.
As always, exhale during the concentric phase as you curl the weight up and inhale on the return down
during the eccentric phase.
During the eccentric phase, make sure to keep your shoulder blades actively retracted and slow deliberately slow down the cable attachments return to the start position.