So I’m building this new methodology from the ground up using a set of principles.
As a reminder (and for context) I have pulled a 740 lbs deadlift in competition, clean and pressed 440 lbs in competition, bench pressed 430lbs in competition and squatted 661lb in competition.
I say in competition because there are standards, which means those are the “non gym bro” numbers.
And I’ve also taken nearly two years off of lifting weights altogether.
I say that to highlight that I have spent a LOT of time in the gym in my life, I have done a LOT of singles, doubles and high volume training. Stepping away from the gym for a while and thinking deeply about how I would approach it if I started again has shifted some things.
For example
I just trained chest and back and accomplished what I believe needs to be accomplished for maximum results…
And it took less than 25 minutes total.
So…
I think volume is overrated… for building muscle.
I also think it’s over-rated for calorie expenditure because while more volume might utilize more calories, having more muscle will increase caloric burn 24/7 given it’s metabolic needs.
Volume is good for….
Building endurance
Mastering mechanics
Athletic and performance reasons because of the above
Making yourself super swole looking in the gym
Catharsis
The main reason I believe volume is over-rated for building muscle is because:
Very few people train with enough intensity to make meaningful changes
Very people are even using the muscle(s) they think they are or are intending to use.
People that do train with enough intensity with tension in the right place are hurt by additional volume, as it cuts deeply into their recoverability.
Now…
REMEMBER…
Building endurance
Mastering mechanics
Athletic and performance reasons because of the above
Making yourself super swole looking in the gym
Catharsis
…are all perfectly good reasons to do something. Just don’t fall into the trap of thinking you’re doing one thing when you’re doing another.
It’s possible that I’m wrong.
Time will continue to tell.
Nic