What does muscle hypertrophy refer to?

Muscle hypertrophy specifically refers to the increase in the size or cross-sectional area of muscle fibers. This process occurs as a result of resistance training or other forms of mechanical overload, leading to structural changes within the muscle tissue. When subjected to repeated stress, muscle fibers adapt by growing thicker as they synthesize more proteins to repair and strengthen themselves. This physiological response is essential for individuals aiming to improve their strength, power, and overall physical performance.

The focus on muscle size distinguishes hypertrophy from other muscular adaptations such as endurance improvements, changes in flexibility, or muscle loss. While those adaptations can also occur due to different training regimens, hypertrophy is singularly about increasing muscle fiber size, making it a key concept in strength training and bodybuilding contexts.