Exercise Timing
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brb_2013
Posts: 1,197 Member
I am curious if there is a significant difference between doing all sets of a bodyweight exercise in succession, versus spreading them out 1-2 sets at a time throughout the day.
If in the end the amounts of sets/reps are equal, effort is equal, is there a difference when it comes to retaining muscle during a deficit? Or does it all need to be one cohesive exercise (like circuit training)?
If in the end the amounts of sets/reps are equal, effort is equal, is there a difference when it comes to retaining muscle during a deficit? Or does it all need to be one cohesive exercise (like circuit training)?
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Replies
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Probably no significant difference from a muscle retention viewpoint. Will make a difference from an endurance point of view, of course.0
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Probably no significant difference from a muscle retention viewpoint. Will make a difference from an endurance point of view, of course.
Right, and I'm sure for building mass as well!! But right now I'm just looking to maintain what I have, while I lose weight.
Just want to make sure it's okay to split it up!0 -
Probably no significant difference from a muscle retention viewpoint. Will make a difference from an endurance point of view, of course.
Right, and I'm sure for building mass as well!! But right now I'm just looking to maintain what I have, while I lose weight.
Just want to make sure it's okay to split it up!
Not sure if that's really going to make a difference unless we are talking higher reps here.0 -
I would ask a personal trainer or a professional of some type0
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I am curious if there is a significant difference between doing all sets of a bodyweight exercise in succession, versus spreading them out 1-2 sets at a time throughout the day.
If in the end the amounts of sets/reps are equal, effort is equal, is there a difference when it comes to retaining muscle during a deficit? Or does it all need to be one cohesive exercise (like circuit training)?
The issue is that the energy required and effort is not equal.
If you are taking long rests between sets the effort and energy required is different.
You have more energy and takes less effort.
The point is to engage and tax the muscles.2 -
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What you really want to do is stimulate as many muscle fibers as you can. Doing a set stimulates some of the fibers in a particular muscle or muscle group. Resting a few minutes leaves some/many of those fibers fatigued, so the next set will engage more fibers. Lather, rinse, repeat. If you wait too long between sets, those fibers that were originally fatigued are now rested - meaning the "extra/other" muscle fibers won't get used - at least, not nearly as much as they should.
In short, do all of your squats (or whatever) in one session. If you want to do another exercise (if squats in the morning - pushups or whatever) in the afternoon, that's fine - do all of your pushups in the afternoon.1 -
I am curious if there is a significant difference between doing all sets of a bodyweight exercise in succession, versus spreading them out 1-2 sets at a time throughout the day.
If in the end the amounts of sets/reps are equal, effort is equal, is there a difference when it comes to retaining muscle during a deficit? Or does it all need to be one cohesive exercise (like circuit training)?
The issue is that the energy required and effort is not equal.
If you are taking long rests between sets the effort and energy required is different.
You have more energy and takes less effort.
The point is to engage and tax the muscles.
I understand, but I can only do 2 at a time at the moment. That does tax my muscles. Then when I have time later, I try to do a few more. Yesterday I managed a total of 4 sets, but split.
I will try to find a trained pro to ask, but basically is something better than nothing or am I wasting my time completely?0 -
What you really want to do is stimulate as many muscle fibers as you can. Doing a set stimulates some of the fibers in a particular muscle or muscle group. Resting a few minutes leaves some/many of those fibers fatigued, so the next set will engage more fibers. Lather, rinse, repeat. If you wait too long between sets, those fibers that were originally fatigued are now rested - meaning the "extra/other" muscle fibers won't get used - at least, not nearly as much as they should.
In short, do all of your squats (or whatever) in one session. If you want to do another exercise (if squats in the morning - pushups or whatever) in the afternoon, that's fine - do all of your pushups in the afternoon.
Are you saying that there's no point in extra sets later on? I really can only do 2 sets of 10 at a time before I lose proper form. So is it at all beneficial to me, to do 4 total sets in 2 separate acts, or do I just stick with 2 sets and be done? I'm just wondering if there is any benefit to my body by doing more when I'm recovered (and have the time. I fit them in when the kids at work are occupied, but that is only a few minutes at a time)0 -
I really can only do 2 sets of 10 at a time before I lose proper form.
Oh, well, in that case (since it wasn't mentioned in your OP), that's basically fine. I thought you meant - like another thread from the past few days - that you were going to only do one set at a time. In your case, go for it.0 -
My understanding is that you have to lift heavy reps to help retain lean body mass during weight loss. Add resistance.0
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Progressively heavy resistance in a deficit. So, if bodyweight, this would mean progressing toward single leg/arm movements.0
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