W/o time, duration? Facts or fiction?

[Trevor Lane]

My personal opinion is that it takes as long as it takes. I don't allow the clock to determine when I'm done, I perform all the sets on all the lifts that I have planned and then I leave. The only exception to that is when I'm in the gym before work. As a time saver I always superset and I generally end up with 60-90 min. sessions.

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by Trevor Lane

My personal opinion is that it takes as long as it takes. I don't allow the clock to determine when I'm done, I perform all the sets on all the lifts that I have planned and then I leave. The only exception to that is when I'm in the gym before work. As a time saver I always superset and I generally end up with 60-90 min. sessions.

And like I mentioned, this is good for an intermediate and advanced lifter who knows how to gain muscle and strength, and who knows his limits.

But for a beginner...they have a tendency to think that 2 hour Arnold style, magazine style bombing and blasting sessions are most effective for them.

I get question after question each day from beginners who think they will fail if they don't add in 9 sets for forearms, biceps, traps, rear delts, mid back, upper back and lower back, etc., on back day. Those are the guys that worry me. They don't understand limits.

[big_swede]

Exactly my point, giving out general advices, claiming it to be the only way you will succeed, really confuses people (begginners). Im very open to try new things, and having my thoughts on a subject evaluated, and always trying to have an open mind to new viewpoints on subject. The one general advice i would give out, if iam in any position to give out advices, is "listen to your body, experiment and learn from your misstakes and wins" or something like that. And with that said, i now go get my 8 hours =)

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by big_swede

Exactly my point, giving out general advices, claiming it to be the only way you will succeed, really confuses people (begginners).

Beginners often receive 82 thousand differing pieces of advice when all they really need is simplicity until they master basic lifts and learn how to progress.

I see beginners trying DC or 5/3/1 before they squat 200. I just don't think it's helping them. They worry to much about the method, instead of thinking about persistence and hard work.

[big_swede]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

Beginners often receive 82 thousand differing pieces of advice when all they really need is simplicity until they master basic lifts and learn how to progress.

I see beginners trying DC or 5/3/1 before they squat 200. I just don't think it's helping them. They worry to much about the method, instead of thinking about persistence and hard work.

Thats right, and that breeds confusion. Im with you on that, basic lifts and hard work will take you a long way.

[BendtheBar]

I was just reading a muscle mag while dropping a deuce, and it was typical..."I started using such and such a tactic and my strength gains exploded."

So young beginner decides he much start using this high intensity training tactic to maximize gains. Problem is, he doesn't need it yet, and he doesn't realize that Joe Pro from the Mag is taking steroids and can still experience relatively explosive growth where as advanced natural can't.

[big_swede]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

I was just reading a muscle mag while dropping a deuce, and it was typical..."I started using such and such a tactic and my strength gains exploded."

So young beginner decides he much start using this high intensity training tactic to maximize gains. Problem is, he doesn't need it yet, and he doesn't realize that Joe Pro from the Mag is taking steroids and can still experience relatively explosive growth where as advanced natural can't.

Yes, and the same young one, couple o weeks later, reads another program guaranteed to produce extraordinary gains and switches to that approach becouse the first one didnt produced what it promised too. And so on...

[big_swede]

feeling a bit cynical tonight, better sleep now =) Good night guys n girls

[Trevor Lane]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

And like I mentioned, this is good for an intermediate and advanced lifter who knows how to gain muscle and strength, and who knows his limits.

But for a beginner...they have a tendency to think that 2 hour Arnold style, magazine style bombing and blasting sessions are most effective for them.

I get question after question each day from beginners who think they will fail if they don't add in 9 sets for forearms, biceps, traps, rear delts, mid back, upper back and lower back, etc., on back day. Those are the guys that worry me. They don't understand limits.

I got ya there... it takes time to know your body and what it can or can;t handle.

[gaspers04]

Interesting topic. I would love a 45 min workout, I always end up hitting the two hour mark. I'm never exhausted or "hurting". I generally leave feeling like I have done something worth while and feeling on top of the world, usually.