Slow or fast

[wimpy]

Since I am new to bodybuilding I want to know if I should be doing the moves slow or fast. I think that slow is better. I feel that it gives me more control. But yet I see others doing the moves much faster. Is my thinking off on this one?

[Pull14]

Move as fast as possible while staying tight and in control of the bar and your body for the main lifts. Very slow reps may have their place for more advanced bodybuilders or those looking to look big... but for someone new, it will greatly reduce the weight on the bar and fatigue will acculimate faster. That will result in less work at significantly lower weight. Very few people got strong keeping their reps slow, not many people get big by staying weak.

Do whatever you want to the smaller, accessory type lifts.

[Soldier]

Move fast and explosively. Fast lets you get in more reps and moving explosively actually builds more muscle than going slow. More advanced bodybuilders may use varying speeds, but by that point they know very well what works specifically for them. Generally speaking, the best will always be fast and explosive.

Now as you get up to heavy weights of course you won't be able to move the bar as fast, but you should still perform the movement as if you are trying to move the bar as fast as possible. Not only will this stimulate the muscle the best, it will also let you move as much iron as possible.

[runwithme]

What do you feel comfortable doing? Yes going fast may let you get more in, but if you are not doing the form correctly then what is the point? Learn the move first then speed it up.

[TitanCT]

If you are new, do not go fast or slow. Work at a moderate pace and focus on controlling the weight on the positive movement, flexing the muscle hard, and controlling the negative motion. At the begginning its very important to start making the "mind muscle" connnections and waking up/strengthening twitch muscles, connetive tissues, joints, etc. MODERATE PACE.

Explosive movements, slow negatives, etc...they all have their place and a time to be used, but not for fresh gym meat.

[gaspers04]

Well said...