Is full range of motion really neccesary?

[camarosuper6]

Reading throughly through many different books and articles on bodybuidling, hypertrophy and exercise programs I have come across some literature that basically states that using a muscle through a full range of motion isnt the best way to create overload, but to only use it through its strongest range of motion (usually only 2 or 3 inches), also known in bodybuilding circles as "partial reps" In doing only partials, you can put on a lot more weight, and bang out usually more reps. A book was even written called the Power Factor (John Little also co-wrote Static Training).

It is a program that is based on scientific principle of volume and intensity. Its a little hard to explain, but basically your goal is to find your "sweet spot" where when you plug in the numbers into the equation, your doing maximum intensity, for a certain amount of volume, which in turn equals the most amount of overload. (If you dont fully understand it, I apologize, it just takes too long to explain). All in all, its all about getting the most weight, for the ideal amount of reps, to where when you plug in your numbers, your doing the most amount of work or overload, making your muscles grow at their optimum ability.

I am going on this program, starting tommorrow, which is Monday, I believe the 14th. So if you have any questions, please feel free to ask. If your interested in the book, its called Power Factor and its in most book stores, like Barnes and Noble or B.Dalton.

Dave

 

[Cletis2000]

Ive never tried that but have always been interested. It seems like a great way to bust through a plateau or you could use it once a month to switch things up.

 

[plouffe]

No Full Range isn't always neccesary. Although good to do, but I often through in partial reps, to shock my muscles. But other then that, I go full range man