Arnold Schwarzenegger believes muscle can be built using both high or low rep methods.
Is it better to do more or less reps during sets in the gym? This is a question that has been debated at length recently as different gym goers have their own methods. According to Arnold Schwarzenegger, both are beneficial and can build muscle.
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“Remember, you can build muscle using low or high reps, but both have tradeoffs. By taking the “maximum intensity first” approach, you maximize motor units and make the most of your time working out without needing as much time in the gym or as many high-rep sets.”
Schwarzenegger revealed a study from the National Library of Medicine revealing how intensity earlier in the set might impact muscle growth over time.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Talks Intensity In The Gym
Arnold discussed the findings of a study that tested effectiveness of post-activation performance enhancement. This is a method in the gym where weightlifters would use heaviest weights during early sets.
“By maximizing intensity in the earlier part of the workout — before fatigue kicks in — you not only activate more motor units and increase strength but also can do more total work.”
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Arnold Schwarzenegger continues to explain how this helps improve your mindset and allows you to use maximum effort during the most important sets.
“This aligns with the “first set mindset,” which means instead of trying to pace yourself for all the sets in your workout, you focus on the earliest sets with maximum effort, treating them as if they are the only sets in your plan.
This mindset works to help you maximize muscle growth because as fatigue increases, your ability to recruit motor units decreases, which means it’s harder to build muscle.Not to mention, your risk of injury also increases.”
Arnold continues to share his knowledge with the next generation and does so with a successful newsletter and social media platform.
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