Choosing a Lifting Program

Once you've generated a general idea of the compound lifts and accessory movements, many question the ideal rep range and or program which is most beneficial. The answer is simple:

• IT DEPENDS

Countless studies indicate that focusing ideally on hitting a certain rep range is actually detrimental to a workout program. The idea behind this is that usually you cut yourself short of your potential by generalizing the set reps your body is capable of producing. Say you were hitting dumbbell bench for 3 sets of 8; every set you would aim for only achieving 8. Do you see this issue with this concept? Instead of pushing your body into a fatigue state which ultimately results in more muscle fiber recruitment, you limit yourself. More muscle fiber exhaustion and tears results in more tissue repair and more muscle build. It's a simple concept to understand once you place this perspective on it, but without your own analogy, many fall short of reaching their true potential in the gym.

Following a misleading ideology of the "ideal rep range" forces many to feel as though they need to follow a strict workout program. Your going to the gym because you enjoy it, and more times than not workout programs include lifts that many of us aren't crazy about. This results in many falling off due to their lack of enthusiasm the gym once offered. Following a general workout program is a much better idea that allows you to control the days lifts with how your body is feeling that specific day. Soreness is a big indication from your body that it is still recovering and repairing tissue from the last workout session. The ideal situation is to limit this muscle recruitment as much as possible and focus solely on a different body part.

The ideal workout program is the one that is most adaptable to ourselves due to our own genetic makeups. This results in quicker healing and recovery periods from person to person. Not all humans can be summarized into a general category and one must base there lifts and endurance based on their own feelings. If you follow these simple guidelines I can assure you much more enjoyment in the gym as well as less stress with your association to whether if your doing everything right. If your enjoying what your accomplishing and making steady strength increases, than your on the right path to success.
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