Thread: Why Isolation still?

Isn't "Abs" a body part?

To me the biggest reason to do something like "Push/Pull" is to eliminate the loads of isolation movements that most people do and to balance out programs that typically underwork the posterior chain and overwork the hell out of the delts and the triceps.

But if a program is balanced and doesn't rely on isolation (e.g. "Arm day"), I don't see the big deal in grouping things based on body parts.

It doesn't matter what your point of view is.

If you intend to train each major muscle group only once per week for whatever reason, and there are reasons for this, then it makes sense to split your workout per body part. I know of a few guys who are in their later 40s, 50s, even 60s in phenomenal shape who have been working out for 20+ years who simply tell me that their not interested in putting on any more mass and are just in the gym to maintain and enjoy the workouts. They also say that at their age training each muscle group more than once per week doesn't work well. As such, they resort to 1 day a week per muscle group and swear by such routines.

I don't think there is one correct way to train. The adaptation principle conveys the importance of working out in a variety of ways. The body adjusts to whatever stress you put it through. Change is the only constant. Nothing wrong with preferences and all, but many methods are valid. I think the most important factors are desire and intensity. You can make gains using multiple training strategies, and most of the experiences lifters I know have tried just about everything at one time or another.

Originally Posted by gtbmed

To me the biggest reason to do something like "Push/Pull" is to eliminate the loads of isolation movements that most people do and to balance out programs that typically underwork the posterior chain and overwork the hell out of the delts and the triceps.

This 100%.

Because isolation is very good for hypertrophy..

wrong

Originally Posted by JOSEF RAKICH

Because isolation is very good for hypertrophy..

Define good for hypertrophy.

Assuming all other variables are in check, isolation will lead to hypertrophy, yes. But, compound will lead to more. More muscles worked simulatenously = more muscular effort = more growth hormones = more muscle development.

Isolation movements work such small muscles generally through shorter ranges of motion with lighter resistance. And, to be honest, most people perform isolation correctly. The people who understand isolation's purpose tend to do them properly.

I feel so bad and yet so good when I'm at the gym performing smooth, controlled squats and rows and there are the Tap-Out shirt guys cheat curling. I want to go help them out and tell them they could get so much more out of their time, but I had to put in the time and effort to research proper training (and diet, etc) and so do they.

Originally Posted by PushAndPull

It doesn't matter what your point of view is.

Should have known

Originally Posted by fyredup1286

Should have known

Yes, you probably should have. There is no single best way to workout or way of looking at it, douche bag.

Originally Posted by PushAndPull

Yes, you probably should have. There is no single best way to workout or way of looking at it, douche bag.

Way to be mature about the subject!