Build Muscle – Get Strong

How Many Reps Should I Do? Many people ask this question, and there are as many answers to this question as there are people asking it. One expert will tell you one rep scheme will produce mass gains, and that no other scheme will work. The next expert will tell you that you need to do a completely different amount of reps to gain mass, and that any other amount of reps will not produce favorable results.

So how do you know who you can trust? Even with the best intentions, many people are wrong about their theories. I’ll just tell you the facts, so you can decide for yourself.

Different rep schemes concentrate on different parts within the muscle structure, and different muscle types. To keep it simple, let’s say there are basically two different types of muscle fibers, fast and slow twitch. We will also say there are three different types of rep schemes.

1. Low reps (3-5), very heavy weight (88-93% of 1RM)

2. Medium reps (6-8), moderate weight (84-88% of 1RM)

3. Many Reps (15-25), light weight (60-70% of 1RM)

The first scheme is designed to gain power. These reps should be done one after the other and explosively through the complete range of motion, without losing your form. This rep scheme will increase power with the heavy weight, low reps, and explosiveness of the lift. It’s likely that you will gain strength, but not size with this rep scheme. A muscle needs a minimum of 36 seconds of continuous tension to signal the need for muscle growth. The 3-5 explosive rep scheme does not meet this requirement. This is why you can have a smaller person being able to lift much more, for only a few reps, than someone who is 50 lbs heavier. This type of lift recruits the maximum amount of fast twitch fibers.

The second reps scheme from above, 6-8 at 84-88% of 1RM, is the best rep scheme to build mass while also making gains in strength. You would lift the weight a little slower than with the low rep scheme. You would lower the weight in 4 seconds, and lift it in 2 seconds. This scheme of performing a rep in six seconds would pass the 36 second test and if you are using enough weight, which 84-88% of your 1 rep max would be, you will be stimulating muscle growth and strength. This rep scheme mostly recruits fast twitch fibers.

The high rep, low weight program is meant for building endurance and burning fat and primarily targets slow twitch fibers. Your cardiovascular system actually gets tired before your muscles do because of a lactic acid build up in the muscle, this is how you burn fat instead of building muscle mass.

Now the question would be, What’s best? Well, they are all beneficial. The truth is that muscle groups are comprised of Type I and Type II, Slow and Fast twitch muscle. So just as you need to vary your diet, you need to vary your training. When thinking about training, just keep in mind that your fast twitch muscles have the more capability for growth than slow twitch, but your body adapts to heavy, fast twitch fiber stimulating exercise. When your body adapts to your training, it’s called a plateau. If you hit a plateau, you need to change your rep scheme and even your exercises for three to four weeks. Also, always strive to use proper form when you lift. Whenever you are unable to lift the weight one more time, with correct form, the set is over.

The bottom line is to mix up your rep scheme from time to time to ensure you are developing both the fast twitch fibers and the slow twitch fibers to their maximum potential.

Need a little more advice on how to gain muscle fast? Then stop by Klint Newton’s site where you can get your free copy of his 7 Part Muscle Building Guide so you can start to build some serious muscle.

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