Extra strength training is bad?

m60kaf
m60kaf Posts: 421 Member
edited January 11 in Fitness and Exercise
I have this notion going on that I cant shake off and I'm not sure if it is fact or not. Any opinions (with justification)......

If you are following a weight training program. One very tuned to gaining bulk. Lifting heavy low rep weights - compounds, 3 times a week.

The programs are designed for maximum growth and such that you are recovered only shortly before your next workout.

My Question -- if you do even more weight training on rest days - at best it has no benefit and worst it reduces the gains from your planned routine -- is this true?

Replies

  • AntWrig
    AntWrig Posts: 2,273 Member
    I have this notion going on that I cant shake off and I'm not sure if it is fact or not. Any opinions (with justification)......

    If you are following a weight training program. One very tuned to gaining bulk. Lifting heavy low rep weights - compounds, 3 times a week.

    The programs are designed for maximum growth and such that you are recovered only shortly before your next workout.

    My Question -- if you do even more weight training on rest days - at best it has no benefit and worst it reduces the gains from your planned routine -- is this true?
    When first starting such programs, you will more than likely start off at the lower weight ranges. However, when you starting lifting serious weight, you appreciate the days of rest away from lifting.

    So to answer your question, it will adversely affect your gains.
  • Bronx_Montgomery
    Bronx_Montgomery Posts: 2,284 Member
    I have this notion going on that I cant shake off and I'm not sure if it is fact or not. Any opinions (with justification)......

    If you are following a weight training program. One very tuned to gaining bulk. Lifting heavy low rep weights - compounds, 3 times a week.

    The programs are designed for maximum growth and such that you are recovered only shortly before your next workout.

    My Question -- if you do even more weight training on rest days - at best it has no benefit and worst it reduces the gains from your planned routine -- is this true?
    When first starting such programs, you will more than likely start off at the lower weight ranges. However, when you starting lifting serious weight, you appreciate the days of rest away from lifting.

    So to answer your question, it will adversely affect your gains.

    This man speaks the truth. I attempted that once before and it was not good. Give your body the rest it needs to grow.
  • Would you still see adverse effects if you are not doing heavy lifting on the off days, but instead are doing something more aimed at endurance, like Body Pump?
  • Lyadeia
    Lyadeia Posts: 4,603 Member
    Would you still see adverse effects if you are not doing heavy lifting on the off days, but instead are doing something more aimed at endurance, like Body Pump?

    I would think that is fine. I do this because something like Body Pump is more cardio based which is active recovery for your heavy lifting. I often in corporate circuit training in between lifting days as long as I keep my weight low and reps higher for endurance.
  • neandermagnon
    neandermagnon Posts: 7,436 Member
    your muscles grow when you rest. If you train them again before they've had enough time to rest, repair and grow a little, then you will not gain as much muscle. That's why a good lifting programme always factors in enough recovery time. It's also why experienced lifters do a split routine, so they train the upper body while the lower body's resting, etc. Training the same muscle group day in day out will not give you good results.

    you can do cardio on rest days, as cardio does not work the muscles in the same way. The above is for anything that involves heavy weights/heavy loads/very high intensity for a low number of reps. Cardio is low intensity and high reps and works your muscles in a different way.
  • I would think that is fine. I do this because something like Body Pump is more cardio based which is active recovery for your heavy lifting. I often in corporate circuit training in between lifting days as long as I keep my weight low and reps higher for endurance.

    Thanks, good to know! This is what I've been doing, and it's been working well, but I wanted to double check...
  • RunDoozer
    RunDoozer Posts: 1,699 Member
    Would you still see adverse effects if you are not doing heavy lifting on the off days, but instead are doing something more aimed at endurance, like Body Pump?

    Even though Bodypump is more cardio based than strength training. It is still weightlifting I think its too much to be doing on off days . Also they have you doing a ton of squats. It might not be as much weight but your legs need a rest. I would stick to regular cardio and not weight bearing ones
This discussion has been closed.