H Man

I wanted to know is it good to do cycles? Like I'm trying a Power, Rep, Shock 3 week cycle. Thing is a bodybuilder at my gym told eat 5 to 6 a day meals along with lifting heavy every workout. Is that right? I mean with the rep week it seems I lower the weight, but should I do heavy weight for all power, rep, and shock week? I mean if I'm trying to gain bulk why not lift heavy every week every workout for heavy, rep, shock? Why less weight more reps? I'm confused with that one. I get this pump when I do heavyier weight, but during rep and shock week I lower weight to meet the higher reps. When I do less weight I don't feel the pump that blasts my arms (biceps/triceps). Maybe I'll gain more mass if I take those protein shakes (never had one)? Suggestions??

ActionMatt

That's a very good question H Man.

Personally, I'd say stick with a given goal for at least 4-6 weeks before changing. Doing low reps followed by high reps in a staggered fashion like that "confuses" the body alright- but it also limits the efficacy of any approach.

If you're going to try periodizing like that, I'd say a short period, 2-4 weeks, of higher reps, followed by a 4-8 week period of heavy, intensive work (2-3x6-8), then another short period of (true) power work- 2-5 sets of 1-5 reps with an explosive cadence- and lactate threshold work- 6-8 sets of 6-10 reps, very light, with short rest intervals.

Switching up week to week will still work, but that doesn't mean its the best approach out there. IMO, you don't focus enough on any one motor quality to make it worthwhile.

creatingmuscles

I have been told, the reason for heavy is to build mass and the reason for high rep low weight if for cutting... to form the muscle. I guess its like clay...build up what you want, then start cutting away what is not needed to get the model you are after..

Dont tap until it snaps..!!!