Does working out harder really make a difference?

[Al Doggity]

In terms of appearance...  If most things are about equal (drug intake, diet, level of consistency), do you think there's an observable difference in the way physiques turn out between moderate intensity and high intensity training?  For pros, there's like maybe a 5% difference. For people who don't compete, I don't think there's any real difference. I think it's really just a matter of consistency either way.

[Dave D]

I think you're right about it being a matter of consistency but there's also to many other factors you have to consider. If you train intensely but have a horrible lifestyle (in terms of diet) you won't look as well as a moderate trainer who's diet is on point.

And obviously genetic response to training trumps all.  So I think it boils down to the individual and each case needs to be examined independently.

We know diet and training techniques that can work for everyone but not everyone gets the same final results.

[Irongrip400]

Only at the pro level.

[oldtimer1]

Seen many a guy that train easy but use drugs get a great response. I think to get the most of your genetics especially drug free you have to hit it hard.

[Al Doggity]

I think you're right about it being a matter of consistency but there's also to many other factors you have to consider. If you train intensely but have a horrible lifestyle (in terms of diet) you won't look as well as a moderate trainer who's diet is on point.

And obviously genetic response to training trumps all.  So I think it boils down to the individual and each case needs to be examined independently.

We know diet and training techniques that can work for everyone but not everyone gets the same final results.

This is actually what I'm getting at. Yeah, there are a ton of factors that determine if you will reach your peak, but I don't think intensity/how hard you train factors into it. If you look at any mid-level  show, you can't really look at any of the guys and tell too much about their training from the way they look.


eta Maybe I would say really outstanding wheels are usually a sign of extraordinary effort on leg exercises, but I think maybe that's not even accurate.

[Marty Champions]

U can only workout as hard as your energy allows . If ur all out max benach is 135 for 10 , u cant bring out more intensity to get 12 reps. You should be happy benching 135

[Griffith]

As a natural, in my own experience, no not really, or the difference is so slight it doesn't really justify all the extra work and effort.

[Disco187]

I’ve done it both ways for long durations. Best for me is reps10-12 moderate weight focusing mainly on mind muscle and squeeze . Might sound like a bitch but it works.   It’s all diet that’s going to give u the right look u want . assuming training and gear and cardio are all on point

[Tennisballz]

After the noob gains, there isn't much left.  Maybe a half of a pound of muscle every year if that.  So, busting your ass is wasted effort in my opinion.  Moderate effort to maintain or just grow slightly is the way to go for longevity.  This is for general health and appearance purposes.  Sport specific training would of course be more intense.

[residue]

smarter yes, harder no

[Dokey111]

smarter yes, harder no

thanks einstein 

[Darren Avey]

The hardest training bloke in mu gym is one of the strongest ,looks better than most and is a raving nutcase who ll kill you if you fuck with him.

[TheGreatOak]

It's a defeatist attitude, whether on steroids or not, to not work out as hard as you can because you think it wouldn't produce any more or any noticeable gains. If you've built a good physique by training very hard, it's only natural that if you slack off because you feel you're not getting any bigger or better, that you'll get smaller in comparison to how much you slack off by.

[Royalty]

After the noob gains, there isn't much left.  Maybe a half of a pound of muscle every year if that.  So, busting your ass is wasted effort in my opinion.  Moderate effort to maintain or just grow slightly is the way to go for longevity.  This is for general health and appearance purposes.  Sport specific training would of course be more intense.

That’s why you are a worthless fat slob who posts 24/7 on getbig

[Al Doggity]

It's a defeatist attitude, whether on steroids or not, to not work out as hard as you can because you think it wouldn't produce any more or any noticeable gains. If you've built a good physique by training very hard, it's only natural that if you slack off because you feel you're not getting any bigger or better, that you'll get smaller in comparison to how much you slack off by.

It really isn't, though. People have made the argument that training heavier might actually prevent injuries and there is a certain amount of merit to those points. However, feeling like you have to approach workouts with a certain level of intensity is probably more likely to lead to burnout. You don't necessarily have to approach everything in your life with extreme intensity. Like showering or going to work. Those things are habits. You will obviously have days at  work that are more productive, but as long as you are in the habit of going and performing competently, you should always reach a certain level of productivity.

And I'm not differentiating between naturals and juiced guys. Here's a pic Ron posted earlier this week. Every one of these guys would be considered one of the best built members of any gym they joined.Can you honestly say that you can tell which of these guys trains with the most intensity just by looking at photos from this show?

[Tennisballz]

That’s why you are a worthless fat slob who posts 24/7 on getbig

Wrong on both accounts watson.  I'm not very active on here and I am also not a fat slob.  Fat slobs disgust me.  I'm just intelligent enough to know how to moderate my workouts to achieve a good balance of health, longevity and muscle mass.  I plan to workout for many years to come. 

[Pet shop boys]

In terms of appearance...  If most things are about equal (drug intake, diet, level of consistency), do you think there's an observable difference in the way physiques turn out between moderate intensity and high intensity training?  For pros, there's like maybe a 5% difference. For people who don't compete, I don't think there's any real difference. I think it's really just a matter of consistency either way.

Good point .


WoooSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

[cephissus]

It just depends how your brain is calibrated. Some people workout too hard, some people not hard enough. Most of us here probably work out too hard...

[tres_taco_combo]

to get swole/jacked/big

yes - doing heavy duty stuff = better gains since you break down the muscles more this way (assuming form is strong)

most guys spend too much time in the gym and not enough time working on diet - take an hour out of your day from the gym and learn your diet