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    A Scientific Look at Reps

    Mr.E
    Mr.E


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    A Scientific Look at Reps Empty A Scientific Look at Reps

    Post by Mr.E Sat Nov 18, 2017 12:15 pm

    A Scientific Look at Reps
    Auther Unknown....

    When planning a workout you should first determine the desired training effect and select a repetition bracket to suit that goal.

    The following illustrates the typical training effect of various rep ranges (I still haven't worked out how to do lists yet).


    1�5 Reps = Maximal strength increases through enhanced neural drive

    6�8 Reps = Optimal compromise of maximal strength and hypertrophy gains

    9�12 Reps = Maximal hypertrophy gains leading to increased maximal strength

    13�20 Reps = Strength-endurance gains and lower hypertrophy gains


    Using this table we can see that the best gains in strength are made using very low reps (1 to 5) whilst the best gains in muscle size (hypertrophy) are made using medium to high reps (6 to 12).

    The weight you lift will be dictated by the rep range you choose. If you are looking to gain muscle size you would select a weight that allowed you to perform between 6 and 12 reps. If you can only complete 3 reps the weight is too heavy. If you can do more than the chosen number of reps, the weight is too light.

    In addition to the above it should be noted that the fibers in your muscles are "typed" according to their oxidative capacities and how fast they fatigue. In simplistic terms you have slow twitch fibers (type-I) and fast twitch fibers (type-II). Fast twitch fibers respond best to low-rep training whilst slow twitch fibers respond better to high-rep training.

    Therefore, you should periodically juggle low-rep training, intermediate-rep training, and high-rep training to make the best progress.


    A Scientific Look at Sets

    A set is a group of consecutive reps. There are a number of factors to consider in determining how many sets to include in a workout; assuming that nutrition and rest are in check the most important factors are as follows.

    1. Number of reps selected

    It is generally accepted that there is minimum amount of time a muscle must be stimulated for maximum size and strength gains. Conversely there is a maximum amount of time a muscle can be stimulated before overtraining sets in. Basically the more reps per set you perform the lower the number of work sets you should perform and vice versa.

    2. Number of exercises per training session

    The more exercises you perform per muscle part, the fewer sets you need to achieve an optimal training effect for each exercise.

    3. Muscle size

    The number of sets performed should be proportionate to the size of the muscle mass trained. You would therefore expect to use more sets when training larger muscle groups than you would with smaller muscle groups. In direct conflict with this is the fact that smaller muscle groups recover more quickly than larger groups; it should be remembered that many smaller muscle groups are worked when training larger muscle groups e.g. biceps when training back.

    4. Training level

    One or two sets per exercise are usually enough for beginners whilst experienced trainees will often require increased volume.

    5. Muscle Composition

    Muscles that are inherently fast-twitch respond best to more sets. Muscles that are inherently slow-twitch respond best to fewer sets.

    Summary

    The optimal number of sets required to increase muscle mass is one of the most controversial topics in bodybuilding. There are the low-set proponents such as Mike Meltzer and Dorian Yates and there are the high-set proponents like Arnold Schwarzenegger. Both camps are right, what counts is the proportion of high-set and low-set work through a sound periodized approach to training.
    bluestrm
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    A Scientific Look at Reps Empty Re: A Scientific Look at Reps

    Post by bluestrm Sat Nov 18, 2017 1:10 pm

    [quote="England"][b][size=18]In addition to the above it should be noted that the fibers in your muscles are "typed" according to their oxidative capacities and how fast they fatigue. In simplistic terms you have slow twitch fibers (type-I) and fast twitch fibers (type-II). Fast twitch fibers respond best to low-rep training whilst slow twitch fibers respond better to high-rep training.

    Therefore, you should periodically juggle low-rep training, intermediate-rep training, and high-rep training to make the best progress.


    I have made good results by incorporating low and high reps into each workout with each muscle group. Instead of periodizing them, I do a couple warm up sets to get the blood flowing and to get the joints ready. Then I do an intermediate rep range set, followed by a heavy set, then my third set is high rep for a good pump. Some muscle groups get four sets, but this is the way that works best for me right now. Heavy only sets never did much for me. I respond a lot better when I pyramid.
    tom_s70
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    A Scientific Look at Reps Empty Re: A Scientific Look at Reps

    Post by tom_s70 Sat Nov 18, 2017 1:47 pm

    OK, so help me out here. I always try to do 4 sets of 12 reps, no matter what exercise I am doing. I max out the weight as heavy as I can complete 12 reps. By the end of the 4 sets I can barely complete and sometimes, not at all that last couple of reps. So is this write up saying that since I am working on building muscle size, I should always be able to complete all 4 sets of 12 and if I have to, lighten the weight? Or should I cut down on my sets and increase the weight as long as I complete 12 reps?

    Thanks
    Dr. Steroids
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    Post by Dr. Steroids Sat Nov 18, 2017 2:18 pm

    Exactly England, that is why peroidization should be incorporated into everyone's workout. No matter whether your tyring to bulk, cut, or even just maintain.
    Dr. Steroids
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    Post by Dr. Steroids Sat Nov 18, 2017 3:13 pm

    Tom, what you want to do is periodocally change you rep and set scheme. You should also the exercies when you change the workout cycle your running.

    For Example, This is what I use and have always gotten great reultz:

    Weeks 1-6; 6X6 (meaning 6 sets of 6 reps and take the full 2:30 minutes for recovery). I only do powerlifting and compound exercies. This will help me bulk as well as greatly increae my strentgh. Exercies like dealifts, squats, bench press, cleans.

    Week 1-8; 4X8 (meaning 4 sets of 8 reps and i take only 1:30 minutes to recoop) I still perform compound exercises but throw in some isolation exercises. Exercies like militarys, bent over rows, etc

    Weeks 1-2; 2X15 ( you should get this by now) I only take 30 sec to recover and i am trying to let my body recover from the past 14 weeks.

    And then i repeat.
    tom_s70
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    Post by tom_s70 Sat Nov 18, 2017 4:04 pm

    Thanks Fonz, makes sense.
    Dr. Steroids
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    Post by Dr. Steroids Sat Nov 18, 2017 5:00 pm

    No worries bro. I'm glad it helped.

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