Intensity refers to load/weight and has been shown to have a significant impact on muscle hypertrophy and is arguably the most important exercise variable for stimulating muscle growth. Intensity can be recorded as a percentage of 1RM and equates to the number of repetitions that can be performed with a given weight.
Repetitions can be classified into 3 basic ranges:
- low (1–5)
- moderate (6–12)
- high (15+)
These repetition ranges involve the use of different energy systems and stress the neuromuscular system in different ways. This variation of stress impacts the extent of the hypertrophic response.The use of high repetitions has generally proven to be inferior to moderate and lower repetition ranges in eliciting increases in muscle hypertrophy. This means that a load less than approximately 65% of 1RM is not considered sufficient to promote substantial hypertrophy. This is because the high rep training can bring about significant metabolic stress but the load is inadequate to recruit and fatigue the highest threshold muscle fibres.Whether low or moderate reps evoke a greater hypertrophic response has been a matter of debate as both produce significant gains in muscle growth. However, the general consensus is that the moderate rep range of 6–12 reps will optimise muscle hypertrophy.
Have you ever consider what can be the relationship between bodybuilding exersices and yoga? Rushing headlong into our strength training routine without the requisite stretching and then rushing through our warm down isn't the best for your body. How conscious are you of your flexibility? Can you still touch your toes? Do you still want to be able to do this as you get older? Yoga could be the power lifter or strongman’s new best friend and you don’t need an incense filled room to do this either.