ABS Audio Newsletter: "Muscle Confusion"

Issue 45: Why is "muscle confusion" still a term utilized in coaching?

ISSUE 45: Coaches, please stop using this silly term. I have a better one for you.

Welcome to the 45th issue of the ABS Audio Newsletter. Today, somehow, we have to discuss a topic and term that has simply persisted. The term is “muscle confusion”. My first introduction to this term was back in the era of boxed home exercise routines. One in particular sticks out regarding this muscle confusion claim. That being “Insanity” with Shawn T (something I owned and used). So what exactly is this concept mean?

As I see it, this concept seems to imply that by changing the way you train a muscle you can “shock” it and somehow cause enhanced gains compared to regular training. Now there could be some shreds of proof here if applied in an appropriate context. The problem lies in the fact that many fail to do this vital step. All that said the term is silly. Muscle doesn’t perform cognitive functions; it doesn’t get “confused”. We simply provide it with a demand and tension stimulus and it responds, signals, and adapts.

All said I have a term that is more accurate and straight-forward; that would be novel stimulus. Let’s chat more below.

The outline of our conversation:

1. General intro.

2. My muscle confusion interpretation.

3. Inaccuracies in understanding AND implementation I’ve witnessed.

4. Setting the record straight with the concept of novel stimulus.

5. My takeaways and motivational sendoff!

I greatly appreciate your viewership; catch you all in the comments. Stay tuned for the 46th issue next week!

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