I’ve read a large number of bodybuilding articles over the years and to me one thing seems apparent.

Over doing it on one style of training really doesn’t seem to pan out all-that-well, even for some of the top pros.

I say this because, I’ve been reading about a high level pro bodybuilder and another, lets say high level amateur bodybuilder that both seem to train very heavy.

Both have incurred injuries over the years, although one more than the other.

I realize that this is only two, (actually three because I’ve read about a similar top-ish level pro who trains in the same fashion) bodybuilders out of thousands, but these guys have genetics on top of genetics.

Meaning their muscles have muscles.

So if these guys are getting banged up, from the constant heavy lifting, what happens to the guy with average genetics?

SOME POINTS

My point here is that, while heavy lifting is great, don’t get so caught up in it that you can never take a brake from it.

In fact, I read a study, and the way I understood it was, that higher rep lifting helps to repair the damage done to joints from heavy lifting.

Again, this was just my opinion, but it stands to reason because high rep work stresses the muscle more than it does the tendon—again in my opinion.

Plus, as much as I like lifting heavy, sometimes you need a break from it.

AN IDEA

If it was me, and I wanted to switch up my routine, either for variety’s sake, or to help rebuild the damage years of heavy lifting probably have caused my joints, or because my joints are bothering me now, I would cycle on and off between heavy low rep work and higher rep work.

How high, is high rep.

For my money, I’d go with sets of twenty.

Go with six to eight weeks of heavy lifting and then switch to six to eight weeks of higher rep work.

You could use the same exercise, but I would totally change things up for the high rep work.

First, you must remember the goal of this high rep work is to flush blood into your muscles and help heal any injuries.

So don’t be too concerned with how much weight you are using.

And second, chances are you will get a shot of new growth simply because of the change.

ONE LAST POINT

Heavy weights and low reps are great, but always remember this one point.

You do not grow when you are hurt and cannot train, so by mixing things up, you may just help prevent future problems, which will keep you in the gym training.

CONCLUSION

The internet is good and bad; it is good because you can find tons of info and any topic very fast.

It is bad because you can find tons of info on any topic very fast.

Meaning, you can find out how such-and-such top pro or top amateur trains.

And while it might be nice to know, following their routine, especially if you really don’t know much about bodybuilding, can really be a bad thing.

Remember, there is no one way to build muscle, everything works, but only for so long, which is why it is always a good idea to shake things up every so often.

Your muscles and joints will thank you.

Until Next Time

KEEP AN OPEN MIND