In February of 2014 the Journal of Investigative Dermatology , published the article ‘The skin not the largest organ.’ a good read. The Journal of Comprehensive Physiology in a published article – ‘Muscle as a secretory organ.’ – states,  “Skeletal muscle is the largest organ in the body.”

As strength coaches we tend to think of muscle exclusively in relation to muscle fiber contractions, posture, breathing and the locomotion of our activities. Seldom do we think of skeletal muscle as a secretory organ and it’s ability to communicate with other organs such as adipose tissue, the liver, pancreas, our bones and the brain.

Myokines are small proteins released by muscle cells in response to muscular contractions.  They are involved in  tissue regeneration and repair, inflammation reduction, reduction of the risk of chronic metabolic diseases and maintenance of healthy bodily functioning. Skeletal muscle as an endocrine organ produce and release these proteins, which like hormones, exert specific endocrine effects.

Understanding that inactivity leads to an altered myokine response and muscular work a positive healthy molecular return, illustrates the far-reaching effect of strength training regularly and continually throughout life.

In our modern environment with televisions, computers, advanced technology, cell phones a sedentary behavior with little or moderate muscular work is commonplace.  With the physiological knowledge of the skeletal muscles contributions in Getting Strong more than walking and running alone are necessary to achieve what is deemed a ‘healthy lifestyle’. 

  Getting Strong on the Pendulum Power Rack System