While the debate over which method is best for building muscle, lower reps with heavier weights or higher reps with less weight, will I am sure continue to go on and on.

One thing is certain though; I know I like to train heavy, as do tons of other bodybuilders.

The trouble is training heavy is hard on the joints.

Oh sure, the body can take it for a while, but after a while, it does take its toll.

So what can a bodybuilder who loves to train heavy do?

First and I am including my self in this too.

We must get away from needing to train heavy all the time.

Do six to eight weeks of heavy training, say (5×5) style.

Then.

Switch to higher rep training—try eight to twelve reps and throw in some twenty rep sets as well.

I’ve seen a study that showed higher rep work helps to rebuild the joints.

At least that was the way I understood the study.

Next,

I just read that green tea seems help protect the joints, so drinking a couple of cups per day would not seem to be a bad idea.

Especially since green tea has been shown to have plenty of health benefits.

Also, most people know that fish oil has anit inflammatory properties, which if I understand correctly, can help protect the joints as well.

SOME COMMENTS

However, as good as green tea and fish oil are, I think one thing trumps them both.

And that is common sense.

If your joints are hurting or are starting to hurt—back off.

I know, it is tough, and I have been guilty of doing this, you feel some pain, but you don’t want to train with less weight, so you take a chance and push it.

You can escape without any further problems, but then again, you can make a little problem worse.

Also, don’t neglect good old fashioned ice as a means of helping your joints feel better.

A FINAL COMMENT

While bodybuilding is a healthy pursuit, sometimes too much of a good thing (heavy training) can lead to trouble.

By backing off every couple of months not only can you ease joint pain, but the switch can help stimulate more muscle growth.

Please be advised that you should only start drinking green tea and using fish oil with your doctors O.K. as I am not a doctor and the advice I gave above regarding green tea and fish oil was from my understanding of them, and should not be taken as medical advice.

CONCLUSION

I love training heavy as much as anyone, but I do realize that if I cannot train because of joint pain or an injury caused by repeatedly going heavy, then I won’t be able to make gains at all.

So I’ve learned (well I am trying to learn) not to push it, every workout, every time.

I figure, if I walk away from any workout healthy, I can always come back the next day and go again.

And some training (to me at least) is better than nothing.

UNITL NEXT TIME

TAKE-IT-EASY