If I want to build muscle, should I do..

halimaiqbal00

3 sets of 12 reps or 3 sets of 8 heavier reps?

jemhh

You can build muscle doing either. You will likely find more success following an established lifting program rather than making one up.

RoxieDawn

jemhh wrote: »

You can build muscle doing either. You will likely find more success following an established lifting program rather than making one up.

agree.

Need2Exerc1se

You can build muscle doing either depending on your diet.

Chadxx

To answer your question, you will generally build more strength with lower reps at higher weights.

robthephotog

I think it's generally agreed lifting heavier builds muscle more efficiently. So you don't have to lift that 10lb weight 200 times. You are just trying to tear the muscle down. So it'll build more up and become stronger to accept the heavier weight loads.

Not to say more reps at a lower weight won't work. Just may be less efficient. And you may not push your muscles hard enough.

ninerbuff

You can IF: you're on a progressive overload program and you're eating in surplus to gain mass.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition