CanFitPro Personal Training Specialist Practice Test 2026 - Free Personal Training Specialist Practice Questions and Study Guide

The generation of maximal force in muscles is predominantly related to muscle size. Larger muscles typically have a greater cross-sectional area, which allows for more muscle fibers to be packed into a given volume. This increase in muscle fiber quantity directly correlates with a heightened capacity for force generation, as there are more contractile proteins (actin and myosin) available to create tension during muscle contractions.

When muscle size increases through resistance training, there is also an increase in the number of myofibrils, which contributes to the muscle's ability to generate more force. Additionally, larger muscles can better leverage mechanical advantages, enhancing their ability to produce powerful movements.

While other factors may influence muscle performance, such as muscle color indicating fiber type and the number of muscle cells impacting muscle anatomy, the primary determinant of maximal force generation is the size of the muscle itself. Blood supply, although important for muscle endurance and recovery, does not directly affect the maximal force that muscles can generate at a given moment.