Hey, I’m planning on starting Waterbury’s TBT but had a few questions. First off, I’m an ectomorph (started lifting at 146 lbs) and I’m not sure if reps in the 10-15 range would be beneficial to gain strength and size. Do you think thinks this program will give me good results (size and strength), given a proper diet and rest?
May I ask why you’re planning on doing something you’re not convinced will work for you?
It sounds like you just want someone to talk you into it. Unfortunately, if you feel like something isn’t going to work, it probably isn’t.
Put something together that you believe in and get violent with it.
[quote]Ramo wrote:
May I ask why you’re planning on doing something you’re not convinced will work for you?
It sounds like you just want someone to talk you into it. Unfortunately, if you feel like something isn’t going to work, it probably isn’t.
Put something together that you believe in and get violent with it. [/quote]
I agree. One aspect of choosing a training routine that often gets overlooked is that the trainee believes in the routine and enjoys training that way. Some people will like Waterbury’s programs, others will prefer other styles.
I’d suggest either giving it a shot and seeing if you like it/it works for you, or pick something else that looks more appealing to you.
That’s a very good point you brought up. I’ve done Waterbury’s programs before and had good results so I thought I should do this one. The concern is are high reps good for putting on mass?? Even if I’m not sure it will work I’ll put everything I’ve got into it. thanks for the replies. So, just one question, are higher rep ranges good for putting on mass?
I’m also going to be double dosing Surge with the program and don’t want to be wasting it lol
[quote]colin1168 wrote:
So, just one question, are higher rep ranges good for putting on mass?[/quote]
They can be, though IMO you also need to do some lower rep heavier weight sets as well. A lot of CW’s programs incorporate a few different rep ranges, so I don’t think that would be too much of a problem. It also depends on which muscle groups you are talking about and the individual in question. From anecdotal evidence legs tend to respond well to higher rep sets well for instance.
EVERY program designed will lead to muscle gain. Lifting weights will lead to muscle gain, regarless of rep range. Granted lifting for x amount may lead to more hypertrophy or size. You can gain strength regardless of rep range. I use the use 25 lbs for incline flyes 12-15 reps, now I use 40lbs = stonger.I am sure that Chad Waterbury knows enough about training principles to design a program aimed at hypertrophy and strength, regardless of rep range.
Follow it and assess accordingly. As the other guys have mentioned…make sure it is a program you enjoy, so you put ALL your effort into it. I personally follow a split, BUT I want to try a TBT program to shock the system. This is a very broad topic really, could go on and on…
GJ
I’m finishing up the fourth week of TBT and really like it. I too question the use of 15-18 rep sets, but I just tell myself that CW knows his stuff and if he prescribes it I’ll take it; there has to be a purpose. Those high-rep days suck though and really make me crave the 5 and 8 rep days; I don’t like to feel the burn.
If you decide not to do TBT give ABBH a look, that’s my favorite program I’ve ever done.
Doing max all out balls to walls sets of 15 or 18 is v hard work, what the hell is wrong with you? If you pussy around lifting tiny weights it will be easy and worthless.
JamFly you should probably calm down seeing as I’ve never mentioned that I’m going to “pussy around lifting tiny weights it will be easy and worthless” nor said that sets of 15-18 are not hard work. I don’t see why you have to get mad over nothing. What the hell is wrong with you, asshole.
Gymjunkie makes a valid point above. The term strength can be a relative term depending on your goals. But in simple terms, if you start by pressing 135 lbs for 5 reps and down the road your pressing 135 lbs for 20 reps, you have gained strength.
I’ve done TBT as well as split training. I change it up from time to time to keep things interesting and provide myself a different stimulus. Overall however, I’ve done more TBT than I have split training. This is personal preference, I like TBT and continue to see results with it.
I’ve used 8x3, 6x4, 5x5, 4x6 and currently 3x8. Every now and then I’ll throw in something like GVT or I’ll super/compound/tri or giant set some exercises. Again, it keeps it interesting and provides a motivation.
Does TBt provide size AND strength. Well I can only speak for myself. After my illness I weighed 154 lbs and now I weigh 180 lbs. Before I had a hard time benching 135 lbs and now workout with 205 lbs and have gone as high as 225 lbs. I’ve gained some much needed inches in all the right spots as well. So for me, the answer is YES, I’ve gained both size and strength.
As long as it’s an intelligent program, you get plenty of nutrition and rest you will grow in both areas. How much and how fast will differ from person to person. One thing I’ll add before closing; I feel it is important to do different exercises for a muscle group from work out to work out. For example, for back I might do a T-bar row one workout and pull ups or inverted row the next. Do you ‘have’ to? Probably not, but I think its helpful.
I’d say it is also helpful to keep a log.
i just finished the TBT and like the above poster said, keep a log. Make sure you go up in weight EVERY WEEK, therefore you have to get stronger. You bust your ass on the 15 rep days and you will definitely feel like you got something out of it. The program is laid out extrememly well and you will get stronger and bigger if you work hard every workout.
Why double dose Surge?
im also an extomorph
ive seen great benefits at the 5 - 8 rep range
i also do 12 - 15 reps for some… such assss
dips and bench press with dumbbells
i was doing 12 - 15 pullups at a time also… but i started adding on weight so now im back down to 5 - 8… my strength goes through the roof mixing it up. but i lift heavy and very intense… like my life depends on it.
[quote]colin1168 wrote:
JamFly you should probably calm down seeing as I’ve never mentioned that I’m going to “pussy around lifting tiny weights it will be easy and worthless” nor said that sets of 15-18 are not hard work. I don’t see why you have to get mad over nothing. What the hell is wrong with you, asshole.[/quote]
Why do you think I am mad? The problem is with your attitude and reading insttead of trying. You have a programe designed for strength and hypetrophy that includes a variety or rep ranges. You have somehow gotten it into your head that doing 15 or 18 rep sets is not going to benefit you, that’s blatantly because you’ve never actually tried doing said set/rep scheme with any level of intensity (hence my previous comments) or you would KNOW the benefits. Try it damnit…
I ASKED if doing high reps would be good for gaining strength/size. You ASSUMED that I have tried it with before, which I haven’t.
Apparently this is why
http://www.T-Nation.com/readArticle.do?id=1509422