Volume and bodybuilding

[Rich Knapp]

Originally Posted by MikeC

Back to the topic of volume, is it safe to say that high volume workouts are best saved for advanced bodybuilders? I guess what would be the down side for a beginner who used a volume system?

Personally I feel beginners should concentrate on strength and putting on a good base and size. High volume would have very limited usage for a beginner in my eyes.

[Soldier]

Originally Posted by MikeC

Back to the topic of volume, is it safe to say that high volume workouts are best saved for advanced bodybuilders? I guess what would be the down side for a beginner who used a volume system?

It's sometimes actually better to progress in a slower but consistent way than to try to jump in the deep end right from the start. Many beginners overdo it on volume without focussing on the basics with heavy compound lifts. If someone is pushing themselves hard as far as constantly trying to add weight to the bar (which is the best way to build muscle, bar none), and using mostly compound movements, then any sort of extra volume will actually take away from recovery. Once someone is no longer progressing with the same volume and simply adding weight to the bar every workout, them they can experiment with things like higher volume.

No matter whether the eventual goal is bodybuilding, powerlifting, or looking good at the beach, the way to start is with heavy compounds, and trying to add weight to the bar as often as humanly possible.