The Reason Why Volume Based Bodybuilding Workouts Can Prevent Muscle Gain
Any individual who has pursued bodybuilding with the goal of dramatically increasing muscle size knows that volume is one of the most effective techniques in producing such results. Most who understand the potency of higher volume bodybuilding workout sessions find themselves seemingly addicted to exercise, spending excessive periods performing numerous weight lifting sets, attempting to blitz their muscles with as much effort as possible.
The problem is, by performing high volume bodybuilding sessions on a prolonged basis, the body reaches a point where recovery becomes difficult, and this is where problems begin to surface. The bodybuilder feels weaker, the amount of weight used must be reduced, and the motivation that once existed for bodybuilding fades, to the point where workout sessions are skipped, and muscle mass soon begins to substantially decline. Some have the wherewithal to continue performing their bodybuilding workout sessions despite these side effects, and what soon surfaces is the enemy of any bodybuilder who seeks maximum results; a string of injuries, from joint aches to muscle strains, and possibly, in certain cases, muscle tears that can prevent weight training for months, destroying hard earned muscle gains, and this all can stem from an extensive high volume bodybuilding approach.
Those who comprehend the positive impact of volume techniques for producing muscle gains hesitate to make any modifications to their workout plan, especially if they are urged to reduce volume by a significant margin, but this short sighted idea fails to contemplate the negative impact of persistent, high volume bodybuilding workouts outlined earlier, and, in the long run, overall muscle gains decline dramatically due to unexpected layoffs.
So, what is the solution that allows a weight lifter to produce maximum muscle building without injuries, lack of motivation, or psychological trauma? A concept known as cycling, which many weight lifters have heard of, but do not integrate due to either confusion as to its importance, or simply not understanding how to properly cycle a bodybuilding workout for impressive results. The key is to follow a lower volume bodybuilding workload at the point when workouts begin to feel burdensome, as this allows the muscles and mind an opportunity to recover without the substantial muscle loss that accompanies skipped bodybuilding workout sessions. In addition, the reduced volume bodybuilding workout cycle allows joints to experience a period of recovery that is especially beneficial, as the discomfort that many times accompanies extended periods of high volume bodybuilding workouts will force less weight to be used, and interfere with the muscle building process.
The other advantage of cycling lower volume bodybuilding 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 bodybuilding is resumed, and is essentially wasted effort. This yo-yo approach is thwarted when cycling lower volume bodybuilding sessions, as muscle size is preserved during a lower set focus, and when higher volume bodybuilding sessions are once again pursued, the body will be able to continue adding new muscle mass without the frustrating muscle regain period that accompanies prolonged vacations from weight training.
Weight lifters who have been using high volume workout sessions may resist cycling lower volume, with the fear that they will hamper long term muscle building, but if they realize that one major injury, which can easily result from prolonged high volume bodybuilding workout sessions, will potentially cost them the majority of the muscle they spend so much time building, then lower volume bodybuilding workouts begin to communicate their true meaning and benefit, which is to increase the chance that a weight lifter will have the ability to consistently train with sufficient intensity, a concept that is vital in producing the best possible muscle gains. A potent weight training and bodybuilding diet routine is crucial in producing maximum muscle mass, but even a perfectly constructed muscle building system is of no impact if the weight lifter is not capable of maintaining consistent bodybuilding workouts, with only occasional vacations (preferably around holidays, for spending time with family and friends). Cycling low and high volume bodybuilding workouts will provide the weight lifter significant muscle building without periods of lethargy, inconsistency, sickness, and injury that result from prolonged high volume bodybuilding workout plans.
Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW.com, a diet and weight training program teaching the exact techniques for muscle building without supplements or drugs. He also owns IncrediBody.com, an online fitness superstore selling weight training equipment at guaranteed lowest prices.