Time under tension (TUT) is a weightlifting term that refers to the total amount of time a muscle or muscle group is under activation during a set. Increasing the time under tension when working out a muscle group can lead to muscle growth, or hypertrophy. There is no scientific <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/baking-101-what-is-proofing-learn-how-to-proof-breads-and-other-baked-goods' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/baking-101-what-is-proofing-learn-how-to-proof-breads-and-other-baked-goods","linkCopy":"proof","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>proof</a> that TUT supports muscle building, but you can incorporate more time under tension into your exercise routine if you want to add variety or challenge to your workouts.

Some bodybuilding experts believe that time under tension can foster muscle growth, or muscle hypertrophy. Practicing time under tension offers a challenging high-intensity workout by increasing the total amount of time your muscles are under stress during an exercise. 

One of the key concepts of weightlifting, especially strength training, is that when you place your muscles under mechanical tension during a resistance exercise, the muscle tissue tears; muscle fibers then repair themselves to be stronger than before, enabling you to build muscle and lift heavier weights. 

If you are looking to make your workout plan more challenging, try incorporating some time under tension practices. Follow these tips to begin TUT training:

- __Slow down your workout__. You can slow down your reps by making your reps and sets last for a longer period. Make sure the weight you are lifting is lighter than your one-rep max but heavy enough to encourage muscle fatigue. Increasing your TUT by slowing down each rep can apply to weight-training exercises with barbell or dumbbells (such as bench presses and deadlifts), bodyweight exercises (such as lunges), and weight machines.
- __Increase the number of reps__. Increasing the number of reps or sets of a given exercise can increase your time under tension while also increasing your training volume.
- __Add exercises to target muscle groups__. You can increase time under tension by performing multiple exercises that target a specific muscle group. This will add stress to that particular muscle group.
If you have a previous or pre-existing health condition, consult your physician before beginning an exercise program. Proper exercise technique is essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of an exercise program, but you may need to modify each exercise to attain optimal results based on your individual needs. Always select a weight that allows you to have full control of your body throughout the movement. When performing any exercise, pay close attention to your body, and stop immediately if you note pain or discomfort.

To see continual progress and build body strength, incorporate proper warm-ups, rest, and nutrition into your exercise program. Your results will ultimately be based on your ability to adequately recover from your workouts. Rest for 24 to 48 hours before training the same muscle groups to allow sufficient recovery.

Throw on some athleisure, fire up a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com), and get ready to sweat it out with exclusive instructional videos from Nike Master Trainer and *GQ* fitness specialist Joe Holder. Want to improve your cardiovascular endurance? Give Joe’s HIIT workout a go. Trying to get a little swole? He’s got a strength training workout for that. From fitness tips to nutrition hacks, Joe will have you feeling healthier in no time.
Time under tension is the total amount of time a muscle or muscle group is activated during a set, and increasing time under tension can be a way to promote muscle growth.

Time under tension is the total amount of time a muscle or muscle group is activated during a set, and increasing time under tension can be a way to promote muscle growth.


Time Under Tension Explained: How to Do TUT Training

Time under tension (TUT) is a weightlifting term that refers to the total amount of time a muscle or muscle group is under activation during a set. Increasing the time under tension when working out a muscle group can lead to muscle growth, or hypertrophy. There is no scientific <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/baking-101-what-is-proofing-learn-how-to-proof-breads-and-other-baked-goods' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/baking-101-what-is-proofing-learn-how-to-proof-breads-and-other-baked-goods","linkCopy":"proof","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>proof</a> that TUT supports muscle building, but you can incorporate more time under tension into your exercise routine if you want to add variety or challenge to your workouts.

What Is Time Under Tension? 

Some bodybuilding experts believe that time under tension can foster muscle growth, or muscle hypertrophy. Practicing time under tension offers a challenging high-intensity workout by increasing the total amount of time your muscles are under stress during an exercise. One of the key concepts of weightlifting, especially strength training, is that when you place your muscles under mechanical tension during a resistance exercise, the muscle tissue tears; muscle fibers then repair themselves to be stronger than before, enabling you to build muscle and lift heavier weights.

Does Time Under Tension Work? 

If you are looking to make your workout plan more challenging, try incorporating some time under tension practices. Follow these tips to begin TUT training:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Slow down your workout. You can slow down your reps by making your reps and sets last for a longer period. Make sure the weight you are lifting is lighter than your one-rep max but heavy enough to encourage muscle fatigue. Increasing your TUT by slowing down each rep can apply to weight-training exercises with barbell or dumbbells (such as bench presses and deadlifts), bodyweight exercises (such as lunges), and weight machines. </li><li class="">Increase the number of reps. Increasing the number of reps or sets of a given exercise can increase your time under tension while also increasing your training volume. </li><li class="">Add exercises to target muscle groups. You can increase time under tension by performing multiple exercises that target a specific muscle group. This will add stress to that particular muscle group. </li></ul>

How to Use Time-Under-Tension Training

If you have a previous or pre-existing health condition, consult your physician before beginning an exercise program. Proper exercise technique is essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of an exercise program, but you may need to modify each exercise to attain optimal results based on your individual needs. Always select a weight that allows you to have full control of your body throughout the movement. When performing any exercise, pay close attention to your body, and stop immediately if you note pain or discomfort.To see continual progress and build body strength, incorporate proper warm-ups, rest, and nutrition into your exercise program. Your results will ultimately be based on your ability to adequately recover from your workouts. Rest for 24 to 48 hours before training the same muscle groups to allow sufficient recovery.

How to Work Out Safely and Avoid Injury

Throw on some athleisure, fire up a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a>, and get ready to sweat it out with exclusive instructional videos from Nike Master Trainer and GQ fitness specialist Joe Holder. Want to improve your cardiovascular endurance? Give Joe’s HIIT workout a go. Trying to get a little swole? He’s got a strength training workout for that. From fitness tips to nutrition hacks, Joe will have you feeling healthier in no time.

Want to Dive Deeper Into Your Wellness Journey?

Time under tension is the total amount of time a muscle or muscle group is activated during a set, and increasing time under tension can be a way to promote muscle growth.