How Can I Strengthen My Tendons?

A good way to improve the strength of any muscle, and yes this always includes the tendon, is to progressively increase the resistance load applied. For instance, a great way to increase the strength of your triceps is to do weighted dips, and close grip bench presses. Use a weight that allows you to properly perform the movement with difficulty.  While you can easily visualize the muscle being worked, you must also be aware that all parts associated with the muscle, including the ligaments and tendons, are also being worked.

Anatomy Of Gains

Now that we’re at a common understanding, we can review some specifics.  One of the most beautiful things about us humans is how unique we are.  With that, you will find some people when working out will develop “taller” muscles while some people develop “longer” muscles.  There is no reason behind this, it really comes down to genetics.  Where you have the highest concentration of androgen receptors –testosterone and other anabolic hormone binding sites - tends to determine how and to what extent you will develop muscles.  This is why some people have great difficulty developing their calves.  Does this mean that people with “chicken legs” have weaker legs?  Not necessarily, while muscle mass and muscle strength may be convergent in development, bigger muscles aren’t always stronger.  What’s important here is the density of androgen receptors; that will be indicative of a dense muscle.  Dense muscle is always better than big muscle!

Why It's Common

Which brings us to the final point, the biggest misconception with tendon strength is injuries found in some bodybuilders and power lifters.  The reason why tendon and ligament injuries are so common here are because the “silent” majority of these individuals are on some sort of hormonal therapy (Steroids).  In these instances the tendons don’t strengthen at the same rate as the muscle, and if not careful will lead to injury.  To each his own, but in case you were wondering - odds are this is the reason.

So the take away message here is: as long as you are lifting weights with progressive resistance loads and good strict form, and aren’t on some sort of performance enhancement drug, you shouldn’t have to be concerned with improving the strength of tendons, because behind every strong muscle is an even stronger tendon.

Dense muscle is always better than big muscle!