#EccentricExercise

A quiet revolution is taking place in gyms and therapy rooms around the world: the rise of “eccentric exercise” — focusing on the muscle-lengthening part of a movement, such as slowly lowering a weight. New research highlighted in a major feature by The New York Times (nytimes.com) and corroborated by fresh scientific studies points to the growing consensus that slowing down and emphasizing the “downward” or lengthening phase of a workout can yield significant improvements in strength and serve as a powerful tool for protecting against injury.

A groundbreaking new study reveals that just five minutes of eccentric exercise each day can significantly improve strength, flexibility, and mental well-being in people who previously led mostly sedentary lives. The findings, published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology in March 2025, challenge the notion that effective exercise requires a big time commitment—offering a practical path to better health for busy Thais grappling with limited time and space for fitness.