Max Strength Training

Bigger Stronger Leaner Competitive Bodybuilding
1

An Observation…

It has occurred to me that natural bodybuilders often train with maximal strength parameters. Most people who post on this site, and I persume the majority is natural and more interested in bodybuilding than powerlifting, use maximal strength training formats. Yet professional bodybuilders almost exclusively train in the 6-12 rep range. Now I know Ronnie Coleman on occasion does 800 lb. deads, but for all his other exercises he performs 5 sets of 12. Is there a reason do you think for this difference in training methodology? I think maybe steroids make the strength-gains come more easily. Or perhaps after years of heavy strengthtraining they no longer need it and instead focus on defining the individual muscle groups…

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Just very briefly, yes, of course steroids make a huge difference in tissue growth. Also, I think why the BBers do as you say, ‘5 sets of 12’ is because the volume at a lighter weight builds ‘non-contractile’ tissue; capillaries and circulatory framework that increases size but doesn’t contribute (very much)to strength. I’d say most of the TNation wants NOT to be “all show and no go” but rather to be an athlete who is strong. Hence the programs that emphasize heavy weight or explosive ‘performance type’ lifting.