Exercise

November 3, 2013

How Important is Exercise Variety?

Some fitness pros claim getting big simply is simply a matter of performing a few “big lifts.” While there’s no question this will pack on size, it’s not enough if your goal is to maximize muscle mass. In this episode of the B&B Connection, Bret Contreras and I discuss the importance of variety in a lifting routine. We separate the science fromt he bro-science, and discuss the practical implications for exercise program design. The webcast includes a discussion on topics such as functional differentiation of muscles, muscle fiber compartmentalization, planes of movement, active insufficiency, varying training angles, and other aspects that go into forming a well-rounded muscle-building routine. As always, we welcome your feedback. Enjoy!

embedded by Embedded Video

7 Comments

  1. Brad you talk way to much. Let brad talk, you constantly interupped him…I wan to hear what he had too say.

    Comment by John — November 4, 2013 @ 8:11 am

  2. You mentioned me twice. Not sure if I talk too much or not enough 🙂

    Always happy to respond to feedback when applicable.

    Cheers!

    Brad

    Comment by Brad — November 4, 2013 @ 8:16 am

  3. Brad and Bret.. Awesome information guys as always. Looking forward to that hamstring research. Bret I just got through your S&C research background-it took a while to digest but for being new in the field, worth it’s weight in gold. Brad, I’m 10 weeks into the max muscle plan and it’s the real deal. Thanks for your contributions gentleman.

    Comment by M Gersh — November 4, 2013 @ 6:42 pm

  4. Appreciate the sentiments M Gersh 🙂 Cheers!

    Comment by Brad — November 4, 2013 @ 8:27 pm

  5. Do we know what effect HIIT or Crossfit style training has strength & hypertrohpy levels? Say for instance I had a client who used Brad’s Max muscle plan for strength/hypertrophy but who also enjoyed CrossFit style wods as their choice of HIIT 3-4 times per week would this have a negative effect on their gains?

    Comment by Andy — November 7, 2013 @ 10:13 pm

  6. The short answer here is that it *might* interfere with results. There are too many variables that enter into providing a definitive answer (i.e. genetics, nutritional status, sleep patterns, everyday stressors, the composition of the actual training including duration, intensity, etc, and other factors.). Bottom line is that there is an interference effect from endurance-based exercise, and there is a point where too much exercise as a whole results in non-functional overreaching. Thus, individuals must take these factors into account and be in tune with their body when structuring a fitness program. Hope this helps.

    Cheers!

    Brad

    Comment by Brad — November 8, 2013 @ 7:16 am

  7. Thanks for your response Brad. I have tried to do my own research on this but can only seem to find papers regarding concurrent training in the form of strengh & endurance and nothing at all (that I can find) on strength & HIIT.

    If you know of any research please let me know,

    Cheers!

    Andy

    Comment by Andy — November 8, 2013 @ 11:46 pm

RSS feed for comments on this post.

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.