Ok maybe that title wasnt very well stated. I can do pull ups with an added 50 pounds (via belt) for 3 sets of 10 reps. I also like to do 50 pull ups in as few sets as possible, for example Ill go to just about failure on set 1 and hit about 20 reps, then break, then go to set 2 and hit about 10 reps, then break, etc. until I hit a total of 50 reps. Which of these styles would be better with a goal of increasing overall back size and thickness?
And before anyone says do what works for you, I have done both and have seen gains from both but would like to stick to one for the next 6 weeks or so and would like some input on which would be the better choice.
I’d go with adding weight once you can do the previous one for a moderate amount of reps. 8-12 is generally considered the “ideal” mass building rep range for upper body. Different things work for different people, but I don’t see how doing 20 light reps would be better than 10-12 heavy reps. It’d be easier to progress when adding weight, too.
These do get harder to progress on as you get heavier, though. Most people switch over to pulldowns, which I like the feel of a lot more anyways. Try those too.
IMO the weighted version.
put 60-70 lbs on the belt and build progression from there.
Depends… In my case, where my BW pull-up max is about 7, I’m more interested in adding reps. In your case, of course, adding more weight seems like the right thing to do.
Mix it up. No reason why you can’t alternate the schemes week-to-week.
slap on 90 lbs and do weighted pullups with those ~ how much do you weigh?
Weighted
You guys confirmed what I was thinking as well, the weighted version would be the better choice. Thanks for the responses.
[quote]kinein wrote:
slap on 90 lbs and do weighted pullups with those ~ how much do you weigh? [/quote]
I weigh about 160 pounds at 5"5-5"6.
I’m the same height/weight as you, and I agree with weighted pullups focusing on good form and full range. Add more weight to the belt instead of doing pulldowns, I think the pullup is a superior exercise.
[quote]forlife wrote:
I’m the same height/weight as you, and I agree with weighted pullups focusing on good form and full range. Add more weight to the belt instead of doing pulldowns, I think the pullup is a superior exercise.[/quote]
In order to hypertrophy you need a certain percent of your 1 RM, for most that is about 65%. So IMO, unless you are working for more endurance, weighted pull-ups is the only way to go.
[quote]Iron Dwarf wrote:
Mix it up. No reason why you can’t alternate the schemes week-to-week.[/quote]
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