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Stretch NOT the Magic Mass Maker?

Q: I switched to the [stretch-exercise-first] workout in Old Man, Young Muscle, and I saw immediate muscle-size increases. Why don’t bodybuilders use stretch exercises first most of the time? Or rely more on stretch exercises in their workouts? It’s working gangbusters for me. Thank you.

A: There are reasons why stretch exercises aren’t emphasized more: temporary gains. [Read more…]

Multi-Plane Training for More Mass

Q: Big fan of your Positions of Flexion method. Three different exercises to hit different angles with specific focus makes sense and has built much of my current muscle. My question is, Now that you’re older, do you ever do all three positions at a single workout for each muscle? At 55 I’m feeling drained by that. It feels like too much.

A: Training all three positions for every muscle can be overkill for the average old guy—myself included. [Read more…]

Limiting Stretch ROM for More Mass

Yesterday I went over the negatives of too many “garbage negatives.” The negative stroke on every rep of a standard set is lighter/easier than the positive; however, it’s the negative that causes the majority of the damage—and without a lot of hypertrophy return…

Doing half of your sets for each muscle with a faster rep speed, like 1.5 seconds per rep, as in the Old Man ,Young Muscle workout, can reduce damage and speed muscle growth… [Read more…]

Triple-Threat Exercise for More Muscle Size

Q: I’m using a Positions-of-Flexion program from 3D Muscle Building. I’ve read a lot about the pro bodybuilders’ training, and I’m just not sure three exercises per muscle, as you recommend in POF, is enough. Can you help me understand why that’s sufficient for building the most mass?

A: First, realize the all pro bodybuilders use anabolic steroids. Those drugs heighten recovery and growth significantly. That means they can tolerate a lot more volume at each workout. On top of that, the pros have genetics for building muscle and recovering from work far superior to us normal mortals… [Read more…]

After-Set Stretch: Hyper-Hypertrophy Mass Tactic

Q: What do you think about stretching between sets? I’ve heard a lot of big bodybuilders do it, but I’ve seen studies that show stretching can make you weak.

A: The old study you’re referring to showed that stretching a muscle for 20 to 30 minutes before training it compromised strength. That’s a lot of stretching—and one reason we don’t do much prior to a workout-—just some range-of-motion loosening… [Read more…]