The Reason Why Volume Based Weight Lifting Workout Plans Can Disrupt Muscle Building

Feb 24
13:42

2009

Francesco Castano

Francesco Castano

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The most effective method of adding substantial muscle mass is to rely upon a high volume weight lifting routine. Yet, because many who perform numerous sets fail to correctly cycle, they soon see that results are far less dramatic than expected.

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Anybody who has pursued bodybuilding with the goal of dramatically enhancing muscle size knows that volume is one of the most effective methods in producing such results. Most who understand the effectiveness of higher volume weight lifting workout sessions find themselves nearly addicted to the gym environment,The Reason Why Volume Based Weight Lifting Workout Plans Can Disrupt Muscle Building Articles spending many hours each week performing countless weight lifting sets, attempting to attack their muscles with as much overload as possible.

The problem is, by pursuing high volume weight lifting sessions on a prolonged basis, the body reaches a point where recuperation becomes difficult, and this is where negative side effects begin to surface. The bodybuilder feels weaker, the amount of weight used must be reduced, and the motivation that once existed for weight lifting fades, to the point where workout sessions are skipped, and muscle mass soon begins to sharply decline. Some have the wherewithal to continue their weight lifting workout sessions despite these symptoms, and what soon follows is the enemy of any bodybuilder who wishes to produce maximum results; an onslaught of injuries, from joint discomfort to muscle strains, and possibly, in extreme cases, muscle tears that can sideline a weight lifter for an extensive period, attacking hard earned muscle gains, and this can easily result from an extensive high volume weight lifting approach.

Those who understand the positive impact of high volume techniques for producing muscle gains are weary of making any modifications to their routine, especially if they are urged to reduce volume by a significant margin, but this short sighted idea fails to consider the downside of persistent, high volume weight lifting workout sessions outlined earlier, and, in the long run, overall muscle gains suffer significantly due to unexpected layoffs.

What is the solution that allows a weight lifter to produce maximum muscle gain without injuries, loss of motivation, or psychological breakdown? A concept known as cycling, which many bodybuilders have heard of, but do not implement because of either misinformation as to its importance, or simply not knowing how to properly cycle a weight lifting workout session for maximum results. The key is to embrace a lower volume weight lifting workload at the point when workout sessions begin to feel burdensome, as this allows the muscles and mind an opportunity to recuperate without the substantial muscle loss that accompanies missed weight lifting workout sessions. In addition, the lower volume bodybuilding workout cycle allows tendons and joints to experience a period of recovery that is extremely beneficial, as the discomfort that many times accompanies extended periods of high volume weight lifting workout sessions will reduce the amount of weight used, and interfere with the muscle building process.

The other benefit of cycling lower volume weight lifting workout sessions compared with a constant high volume approach is muscle preservation, as normally, a weight lifter who pursues prolonged higher volume finds that a vacation from weight is necessary due to mental or physical burnout, and during this extended vacation, muscle is lost, which takes time to regain once weight lifting is resumed, and is essentially wasted effort. This yo-yo approach is thwarted when cycling lower volume weight lifting sessions, as muscle mass is sustained during a lower set period, and when higher volume weight lifting sessions are once again implemented, the body will be able to continue adding new muscle mass without the frustrating muscle regain period that accompanies excessive vacations from weight lifting.

Weight lifters who have relied upon high volume workout sessions may hesitate to begin cycling lower volume, with the fear that they will reduce long term muscle building, but if they realize that one serious injury, which can easily result from prolonged high volume weight lifting workout sessions, will potentially burn the majority of the muscle mass they spend so much time building, then lower volume weight lifting workout sessions begin to communicate their true meaning and purpose, which is to enhance the chance that a weight lifter will have the ability to consistently train with sufficient intensity, a concept that is critical in producing the best possible muscle gains. The proper weight lifting and bodybuilding diet routine is crucial in producing maximum muscle gains, but even a perfectly constructed muscle building system is of little impact if the weight lifter is not capable of maintaining consistent weight lifting workout sessions, with strategically planned vacations (preferably around holidays, for spending time with family). Cycling high with low volume weight lifting workout sessions will provide the weight lifter considerable muscle building without prolonged periods of fatigue, inconsistency, illness, and injury that are the trademarks of continuous high volume weight lifting workout sessions.