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Time Under Tension (TUT)

The total seconds a muscle is loaded during a set.

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Definition

Time under tension is the duration a muscle stays under load in a working set. A set of 8 reps at a 2-second eccentric, 1-second concentric tempo takes about 24 seconds. Hypertrophy responds well to 30–70 seconds of TUT per set; under 20 seconds favors strength, over 70 favors endurance.

Real questions

Does slowing reps build more muscle?

Slowing the eccentric (lowering phase) to 2–4 seconds increases TUT and mechanical tension without sacrificing load — a reliable hypertrophy lever.

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Put it to work

Coach Foster builds your program around time under tension (tut) and the rest of the fundamentals, shaped to your body and your week.