Significance of Muscle Belly Length/Insertion Points

Bigger Stronger Leaner Christian Thibaudeau Coaching
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Hi Coach Thibaudeau,

I’m curious about your view on the significance of muscle belly length/insertion points - for example, how people talk about having a “shorter” or “longer” bicep. What are the effects of a short/long muscle belly? Any advantages/disadvantages for each?

Thank you!

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There is no universally true answer as it depends on the function of the muscle. The only thing that holds true is that a muscle with shorter tendons will appear bigger.

But from a function standpoint it really depends on the muscle.

For example a short calf (long tendon) gives a speed advantage whereas a longer calf muscle (shorter tendon) gives you a strength advantage. But this is not true for all muscles.

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Thanks Coach - I never knew that it varies between muscles!