Secrets to Gaining Muscle
- By Tony Schwartz
- Published 12/11/2008
- Muscle Building
- Unrated
Secrets to Gaining Muscle
Gaining muscle can be a difficult process for anybody, but if you attempt to do it without a well designed diet and exercise program you are just asking for slow gains. I am certain this is something you have heard before, and it is really pretty obvious when you think about it.
But what exactly is a good program?
Well, first and foremost, a programme should be created based on science. Everything in the program should be justifiable. Whoever designed your program should be able to answer questions such as:
Why 3 sets instead of 2 or 4?
Why 10 reps instead of 5?
Why two days off instead of 1?
Why 2 minutes between sets?
Unfortunately most training programs are haphazardly thrown together. This goes for the programs written by "professionals" as well. The reason for this is that most people, and even trainers, do not comprehend how to optimally train the body in accordance with science. Because of this they cannot accurately answer any of the above questions.
Factors such a workout's effects on the hormonal system, the CNS, and
immune system are simply not something that most programs take into consideration. This is a very complicated and time-consuming process if you do it correctly, and it requires some advanced knowledge, so it is somewhat understandable why most training programs don't adhere to science and therefore won't produce results for 95% of the people who use them.
The problem is compounded by the fact that generic programs will never work for everyone, or even most people. You have to know how to adapt and change a program to work with your specific physiology. This means you must have an easy way to test your body to see what type of training will be most productive for you. Again, this process can be complicated, but it is well worth the results.
So the next time you are picking a new training program make sure it is one based on science and that it allows for some individualization of the training process. Otherwise you will find that gaining muscle is harder than it should be.
Learn about books for gaining muscle and gaining muscle in your FREE ebook!
But what exactly is a good program?
Well, first and foremost, a programme should be created based on science. Everything in the program should be justifiable. Whoever designed your program should be able to answer questions such as:
Why 3 sets instead of 2 or 4?
Why 10 reps instead of 5?
Why two days off instead of 1?
Why 2 minutes between sets?
Unfortunately most training programs are haphazardly thrown together. This goes for the programs written by "professionals" as well. The reason for this is that most people, and even trainers, do not comprehend how to optimally train the body in accordance with science. Because of this they cannot accurately answer any of the above questions.
Factors such a workout's effects on the hormonal system, the CNS, and
The problem is compounded by the fact that generic programs will never work for everyone, or even most people. You have to know how to adapt and change a program to work with your specific physiology. This means you must have an easy way to test your body to see what type of training will be most productive for you. Again, this process can be complicated, but it is well worth the results.
So the next time you are picking a new training program make sure it is one based on science and that it allows for some individualization of the training process. Otherwise you will find that gaining muscle is harder than it should be.
Learn about books for gaining muscle and gaining muscle in your FREE ebook!
Tony Schwartz
Tony Schwartz created the Athletic Muscle System based on extensive research into strength training programs as well as his own work with collegiate and professional athletes. Tony is the Director of Training for Momentum Athletics. He has a B.Sc. in Exercise Science from Indiana University, where he was a research assistant in the areas of biomechanics and exercise physiology. He has authored, edited, and contributed to many books and articles in the field of exercise science.
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