Strength comes in many forms - here is how to develop them.

The common definition of strength is the ability to exert a force against a resistance. The strength needed for a sprinter to explode from the blocks is different from the strength needed by a weightlifter to lift a 200kg barbell. This, therefore, implies that there are various types of strength.

What are the classifications of strength?

The classifications of strength are:

Maximum strength - the greatest force that is possible in a single maximum contraction
Elastic strength - the ability to overcome resistance with a fast contraction
Strength endurance - the ability to express force many times over

How do we get strong?

A muscle will only strengthen when it is worked beyond its normal operation and is overloaded. Overload can be progressed by increasing the:

Number of repetitions of an exercise.
Number of sets of the exercise.
Intensity - reduced recovery time.

How do we develop each strength?

Maximum strength can be developed with
- weight training.
Elastic strength can be developed with
Strength endurance can be developed with

Article Reference

This article first appeared in:

MACKENZIE, B. (2003). Strength comes in many forms - here is how to develop them. Brian Mackenzie's Successful Coaching, (ISSN 1745-7513/ 3 / July), p. 7

Page Reference

If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:

MACKENZIE, B. (2003) Strength comes in many forms - here is how to develop them [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/scni3a5.htm [Accessed

About the Author

Brian Mackenzie was a highly respected British Athletics Level 4 performance coach, as well as an accredited Coach Tutor and Coach Assessor. With over 30 years of coaching experience, he specialised in the development of sprint, middle-distance, and combined events athletes. His expertise extended across all levels of competition, fostering performance and progression in both emerging and elite athletes. Complementing his coaching credentials, Brian was also a dedicated ultra-distance endurance athlete, competing for more than 45 years and bringing a deep personal understanding of athletic performance to his coaching practice.


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The common definition of strength is the ability to exert a force against a resistance. The strength needed for a sprinter to explode from the blocks is different from the strength needed by a weightlifter to lift a 200kg barbell. This, therefore, implies that there are various types of strength. What are the classifications of strength? The classifications of strength are: Maximum strength - the greatest force that is possible in a single maximum contraction Elastic strength - the ability to overcome resistance with a fast contraction Strength endurance - the ability to express force many times over How do we get strong? A muscle will only strengthen when it is worked beyond its normal operation and is overloaded. Overload can be progressed by increasing the: Number of repetitions of an exercise. Number of sets of the exercise. Intensity - reduced recovery time. How do we develop each strength? Maximum strength can be developed with weight training. Elastic strength can be developed with conditioning exercises. complex training sessions . medicine ball exercises. plyometric exercises. weight training. Strength endurance can be developed with circuit training. dumbbell exercises. weight training. hill and harness running. Article Reference This article first appeared in: MACKENZIE, B. (2003). Strength comes in many forms - here is how to develop them. Brian Mackenzie's Successful Coaching, (ISSN 1745-7513/ 3 / July), p. 7 Page Reference If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is: MACKENZIE, B. (2003) Strength comes in many forms - here is how to develop them [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/scni3a5.htm [Accessed About the Author Brian Mackenzie was a highly respected British Athletics Level 4 performance coach, as well as an accredited Coach Tutor and Coach Assessor. With over 30 years of coaching experience, he specialised in the development of sprint, middle-distance, and combined events athletes. His expertise extended across all levels of competition, fostering performance and progression in both emerging and elite athletes. Complementing his coaching credentials, Brian was also a dedicated ultra-distance endurance athlete, competing for more than 45 years and bringing a deep personal understanding of athletic performance to his coaching practice.