Rep range

MACnificence

Hey
So just looking for advice when it comes to rep range I'm currently entering cycle 3 of All pros which is based on an 8-12 rep range but I can't say I'm loving the whole 8-12 rep range If I'm being honest , I was doing lower rep before that just some programme i got off the Internet and I enjoyed it more
I know stronglifts is highly recommended and the 5 rep range appeals to me more but my gym doesn't have a squat rack and I hear that makes progression in stronglifts harder

Now my goal is to recomp so if the 8-12 rep range is where I should be well then ill suck it up but just wondering what's yer guys opinions on this

Ainar

It's not where you "should" be... it's preference. You can get great results in muscle building on 5x5 program as well. So as on 1 or 2 rep program. Now the lower the reps go more is focus on strength and higher they go more it is on hypertrophy. But it doesn't mean that you will have worse results on 5 rep program building muscle mass than 8 - 12 rep one. You will become stronger faster tho.

Anyhow. I just suggest to train the way you enjoy. Even if that would not be the most optimal way. Personally, I would still do 5x5 program even if I would get WAY less results than doing 8 - 12 reps in muscle size. Cos I rather spend more time in gym doing something I like and get slower results than spend less time in gym doing something I hate just for the sake of fast results. I'm not here to torture myself but to enjoy it.

MACnificence

Thanks ya that makes sense , but where do I stand with doing a programme like stronglifts with no squat rack?

Ainar

Thanks ya that makes sense , but where do I stand with doing a programme like stronglifts with no squat rack?

How strong are you? I mean, until a certain point you can squat with weight west and/or holding some kettlebells/dumbbells. Once the weight becomes too heavy that you can not find a kettlebell then you will be forced to move on machines. Kettlebell squats engages core way more than barbell squats and machines such as leg press doesn't engage core at all. So combining heavy kettlebell squats for more core strength with machines for pure leg strength might give you decent overall.

Or you could just train legs with machines with heavy reps... Not ideal but since you are not training for power lifting and just wanna gain some muscle it should be sufficient, if you have no choice.

MACnificence

A trainer at the gym seems to think i would make better gains doing a split routine ?
whats the reasoning behind this? is this correct