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Originally Posted by big Ok, firstly let's get things straight - high volume training works AND low volume training works AS LONG AS YOU MATCH THE INTENSITY TO THE VOLUME.
Let's assume you're working with a training weight of 80% of your max (which is most definitely suitable - maybe even perfect - for both strength and hypertrophy given the correct diet and loading parameters). If you're planning on just doing one or two sets, it's quite likely you will need to go all out, with the last set being at least (close to) failure. If for example you're planning on doing 5 sets, you'd best be doing less reps than if you were doing 2 sets and you'd best only be flirting with failure on the last rep of the last set (if at all):
2x8
5x5
4x6
10x3
All of these work well for loading and will give VERY similar results given the same overall intensity (80% of your max) - it's just the per-set intensity which varies.
In essence, if you are on a routine that is allowing you to increase the weights each session, then it is working. If not, in general you need to either decrease the volume, decrease the intensity or increase your calories. VERY rarely are people not doing enough in the gym. It's usually the other way round. |
Nice post BIG.
Iron - cheers mate, its nice to get a feel of what routines people are trying and the results they're getting.
This is so true, I've recently swapped to a full body workout 3 times a week as opposed to
a body part per day. Obviously the intensity is not the same but I'm doing more volume and the weight is still creeping up. Its taken me a while to find the right balance for me but I think a complete change in my routine has helped beat the 'plateau'.