Build Muscle Fast with the Right Amount of Reps
So many people wonder about this, and there are just about as many answers as there are people asking. Depending on what trainer you talk to, you will get a different theory, and everyone thinks they have the answer.
With so many ideas how do you know what's right? I'll give you the scientific facts, and you can decide for yourself.
Different rep schemes target different types of muscle, and different parts within the muscle structure. Lets keep this simple and say that there are basically two different types of muscle fiber, Fast Twitch and Slow Twitch. Let's also keep the rep schemes simple and say that there are three types:
1. Low reps (3-5), very heavy weight (88-93% of 1RM)
2. Medium reps (6-8), moderate weight (84-88% of 1RM)
3. Many Reps (15-25), light weight (60-70% of 1RM)
The first scheme is designed to gain power. These reps should be done one after the other and explosively through the complete range of motion, without losing your form. This rep scheme will increase power with the heavy weight, low reps, and explosiveness of the lift. It's likely that you will gain strength, but not size with this rep scheme. A muscle needs a minimum of 36 seconds of continuous tension to signal the need for muscle growth. The 3-5 explosive rep scheme does not meet this requirement. This is why you can have a smaller person being able to lift much more, for only a few reps, than someone who is 50 lbs heavier. This type of lift recruits the maximum amount of fast twitch fibers.
The next program is best for building mass along with strength. The weight should be lifted slightly slower than the first example, lowering the weight in four seconds and lifting in two, which passes the 36 second test. If you are using between 84 and 88 percent of your 1 rep max you will be stimulating muscle growth for fast twitch fibers.
The high rep, low weight program is meant for building endurance and burning fat and primarily targets slow twitch fibers. Your cardiovascular system actually gets tired before your muscles do because of a lactic acid build up in the muscle, this is how you burn fat instead of building muscle mass.
So What's the best way? They all have their place. Muscles groups are made up of both fast and slow twitch muscle fiber. Just with almost everything dealing with exercise, you need to mix it up. Your fast twitch fibers have the most potential for growth, but the body becomes used to your intensity of trying to develop fast twitch muscle. If you hit a plateau, I would suggest you go for a few weeks of rep scheme three. One other thing, make sure to use strict, correct form in your movements. Always maintain correct form. When you can't lift another rep with correct form, it's time to end the set.
It is imperative that you start your weight training program with a well thought out plan. You need to use different rep schemes and exercises to always keep your body guessing and wanting more. - 17274
With so many ideas how do you know what's right? I'll give you the scientific facts, and you can decide for yourself.
Different rep schemes target different types of muscle, and different parts within the muscle structure. Lets keep this simple and say that there are basically two different types of muscle fiber, Fast Twitch and Slow Twitch. Let's also keep the rep schemes simple and say that there are three types:
1. Low reps (3-5), very heavy weight (88-93% of 1RM)
2. Medium reps (6-8), moderate weight (84-88% of 1RM)
3. Many Reps (15-25), light weight (60-70% of 1RM)
The first scheme is designed to gain power. These reps should be done one after the other and explosively through the complete range of motion, without losing your form. This rep scheme will increase power with the heavy weight, low reps, and explosiveness of the lift. It's likely that you will gain strength, but not size with this rep scheme. A muscle needs a minimum of 36 seconds of continuous tension to signal the need for muscle growth. The 3-5 explosive rep scheme does not meet this requirement. This is why you can have a smaller person being able to lift much more, for only a few reps, than someone who is 50 lbs heavier. This type of lift recruits the maximum amount of fast twitch fibers.
The next program is best for building mass along with strength. The weight should be lifted slightly slower than the first example, lowering the weight in four seconds and lifting in two, which passes the 36 second test. If you are using between 84 and 88 percent of your 1 rep max you will be stimulating muscle growth for fast twitch fibers.
The high rep, low weight program is meant for building endurance and burning fat and primarily targets slow twitch fibers. Your cardiovascular system actually gets tired before your muscles do because of a lactic acid build up in the muscle, this is how you burn fat instead of building muscle mass.
So What's the best way? They all have their place. Muscles groups are made up of both fast and slow twitch muscle fiber. Just with almost everything dealing with exercise, you need to mix it up. Your fast twitch fibers have the most potential for growth, but the body becomes used to your intensity of trying to develop fast twitch muscle. If you hit a plateau, I would suggest you go for a few weeks of rep scheme three. One other thing, make sure to use strict, correct form in your movements. Always maintain correct form. When you can't lift another rep with correct form, it's time to end the set.
It is imperative that you start your weight training program with a well thought out plan. You need to use different rep schemes and exercises to always keep your body guessing and wanting more. - 17274
About the Author:
Do you want a full body plan to build muscle like never before? Then visit http://www.mentaledgemusclebuilding.com to find out how to force your muscles to grow.
posted by X - Men at
5:52 PM
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