Final answer:
The statement that engaging fewer muscles leads to greater workout results is false; effective strength training requires progressively heavier loads and the involvement of more muscles to achieve greater strength and muscle mass.
Step-by-step explanation:
Engaging fewer muscles does not translate into greater results from your workout; that is false. For effective strength training, it is critical to consistently increase the intensity of the exercise, which often means activating and challenging a greater number of muscles. This principle is well-supported by the concept of progressive overload, where the weights lifted must become increasingly heavier to trigger muscle growth and strength gains.
Motor unit recruitment also plays a key role in building muscle strength, whereby engaging a wider range of motor units can lead to stronger muscle contractions. Moreover, skeletal muscles consist of a range of motor units, and it's the recruitment of larger units that allows for a greater contractile force. Lastly, the 'Use It or Lose It' principle emphasizes that continuous exercise is necessary for maintaining muscle mass and strength.