High vs Low Reps (Science-Based)

preview_player
Показать описание
Are high reps or low reps better for building muscle? Do higher repetitions increase muscle definition and does heavier weight make your muscles bigger than lighter weight? What is the best rep range for muscle growth? Find out the answers to all of these questions in this science-based video

High reps or low reps? Which is better? Many people believe that aiming for higher reps is better for cutting and getting very defined muscles with visible striations. Meanwhile, low reps are better at building more muscle mass and bulking up. However, neither of these statements is actually true and there are many outdated misconceptions that people still have when it comes to choosing the best rep range for their goals. So in this video, we'll go over the benefits and drawbacks of each so that you can choose the best rep range for yourself. 

Let's first define exactly what I mean when I say high or low reps. High reps when it comes to weight training typically involve sets that are greater than 12 reps per set. 12 to 20 reps is the standard range, as doing more than 20 reps will often lead to a breakdown in form due to the amount of fatigue that sets in. Meanwhile, low reps are commonly associated with any rep range from one rep to 6 reps per set. But usually, you'll stick within a range of 3 to 6 reps to minimize the chance of injury. Obviously, low reps are usually performed in combination with a much heavier weight load, meanwhile, high reps require a lighter weight load.    

The idea that high repetitions inherently lead to more defined muscles is a very common misconception. Having more cut visible muscles is usually referred to as muscle definition or muscle tone. And both are primarily influenced by two factors: muscle size and body fat percentage. While high-repetition training can contribute to muscle size, it doesn't have a direct correlation with building more defined muscles. You're not going to burn significantly more fat from doing high reps, and there's no way to target fat burn to specifically burn the fat away from the muscles you're working. It might feel like that's what's happening from the enhanced muscle-burning sensation and the bigger pump experienced during high-rep workouts. But even though high reps can increase blood flow to the muscles you're working, and can create a temporary feeling of tightness and fullness, this does not translate to long-term muscle definition. 

So when it comes to muscle definition, aside from genetics, the two biggest factors that are actually in your control are building your muscle size through resistance training while also reducing overall body fat which mostly boils down to maintaining a proper diet plan. Without addressing the body fat component, even well-developed muscles will stay hidden underneath a layer of body fat. So regardless of your rep range, you can still get very defined muscles just by building them up and staying lean.

That's right both high-rep training and low-rep training can be effective for muscle growth in their own ways. For example, let's start with high-rep training. Metabolic stress is a big component of muscle growth and it's generally higher when performing high reps rather than low reps. This metabolic stress triggers the release of growth hormone and IGF-1, which both play a key role in boosting protein synthesis as well as the growth and repair of your muscles. 

Typically during high rep sets the muscles you're working will also get a greater amount of Tut or time under tension. Not only will you feel more fatigue the longer a muscle is activated during a set, but more time under tension also stimulates the recruitment of both slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscle fibers. So even though fast-twitch fibers are in fact more associated with heavier weight loads, lower reps, and explosive movements, and slow-twitch fibers are more associated with higher reps, better resistance to fatigue, and improvements in endurance-based activities, the constant stress placed on your muscles during high rep training will actually engage both fiber types effectively. The major downfall of high-rep training in terms of muscle growth is when you go overboard with the reps.

If you try to do any exercise for 50 or 100 reps, like let's say weighted squats for example, there's a high chance that your form will start to break down or you'll need to take a break due to excessive fatigue and exhaustion rather than your muscles actually failing. This is why I suggest if you're trying to build muscle with high-rep training, still use heavy enough weights loads that limit you to under 20 reps before you fail or at least come close to failure. 

Now low rep training offers its own set of unique advantages for muscle growth. For example, since it's associated with heavier weight loads it requires the recruitment of a higher percentage of muscle fibers...
Рекомендации по теме
Комментарии
Автор

9:35 take a screenshot, It literally wraps it up
Thanks 🙏

MacAmeen
Автор

Most people argue
High vs low reps
And end up doing No Reps

Reppintimefitness
Автор

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:

00:00 🏋️‍♂️ *Rep Range Overview*
- High reps and low reps are commonly misunderstood for muscle building.
- Definitions of high and low reps.
- Misconception regarding muscle definition and fat burn.
02:21 💪 *Benefits of High Rep Training*
- Metabolic stress in high rep training.
- Time under tension and muscle fiber recruitment.
- Limitations of excessive reps in high rep training.
04:27 🏋️‍♀️ *Advantages of Low Rep Training*
- Recruitment of fast-twitch fibers.
- Neural adaptations and strength gains.
- Risks associated with heavy weight loads in low rep training.
05:35 🔄 *Combining High and Low Reps*
- Cyclical adaptation to different rep ranges.
- Breakthrough plateaus with varied rep ranges.
- Recommendations for alternating rep ranges in a workout routine.
06:45 🏃‍♂️ *Rep Ranges for Specific Goals*
- Different goals require different rep ranges.
- Endurance vs. explosive sports.
- Incorporating both high and low reps for multifaceted activities.

Made with HARPA AI

stephane
Автор

I've been a 6-12 rep guy for years but the plateau is real! I like the idea of mixing it up like this, I also feel higher reps give you more of that elevated heart rate euphoric workout feeling

jpjklla
Автор

Been training 40 years! Whenever I need inspiration I check this channel out and the RAGE is back even at 53!!!

GymGarageMan
Автор

CONSISTENTLY, this channel delivers *correct* and *clear* information. 👏

ephraimwilliams
Автор

In my 50’s now and whenever I use heavy low reps, injury is never far away and I never seen size from it.
Done with heavy lifting!

ozziejim
Автор

excellent video. So many people argue HIT training vs Volume etc. when all along I've been following both. The video does a good job at emphasizing the need to create variation to break up muscle plateau.

Jammaster
Автор

Just dislocated my shoulder for the 5th time even after surgery, doctor told me I will most likely never be able to lift heavy again or do overhead movements with weights. All my life I have chose to lift heavy as not only did it feel good to me, but it gave me motivation to continue. I am sad I will no longer be able to do this, and possibly not be able to obtain the physique I want but I cannot give up lifting so if I have to lift light with high reps that's exactly what I'll do. Thank you for showing me I can still possibly make gains and giving me hope.

Reiyuza
Автор

I love that he said to do both. Im going to do 10 Reps 3 weeks and 6 Reps 1 week during the month to try this out

cryptorealm
Автор

Hi Max,
I just discovered your wonderful channel which is targeted at muscle building for men.
I am a 75 year-old female. Many of your suggestions are, of course, not that suitable for me.
Still, there is a t o n of great information out there, regarding progressive overload, range of motion, nutrition, enhanced sleep etc. which are practical and useful for everybody.
All your information is presented in a clear and logical manner; I find this very appealing.
I lost almost 25 kgs about 8 years ago, by decreasing my calorie intake by about 25% until I was down to what I weighed in my 20s. I’ve kept that weight of 59 kg since then, never varying by more than a kg.
I do a 1 ½ hour workout in the morning and another half hour in the evening. I put the exercises together myself, taking care to work through all the joints in my body.The crowning glory of my morning exercise is getting up from the floor 30 times without using my hands, and I manage to hang from the bar for 30 to 40 seconds, but my overall body strength could be better (maybe more weights?).
I‘m not sure I could really improve my broad jump, which is one foot!
I take a cold shower twice a day, except Sundays when I allow myself the luxury of hot water to wash my hair.
I‘ve been doing this for six years now, expanding my routine, never missing a day, I hope I can continue doing this for another few years before age catches up with me.
Meanwhile I will try to incorporate some of your valuable information into my program.
Thanks a lot and keep up the good work. I wish you the success that you deserve!

MsYoutuebchen
Автор

Incredible video and is exactly what I've been needing. I'm working on changing things up to break through the plateaus, and this answered it all. Thank you!

AdamWorthington
Автор

Just started working out again after 8 years getting that motivation back let's go!

jovannygonzales
Автор

- **High Reps vs. Low Reps Misconceptions:** The video addresses common misconceptions about high reps being better for muscle definition and low reps for muscle mass. It emphasizes the need to debunk these outdated ideas.

- **Definition Factors:** Muscle definition is clarified as influenced by muscle size and body fat percentage, with the video highlighting that high reps alone do not lead to more defined muscles or increased fat burn.

- **Benefits of High Rep Training:** High rep training is associated with metabolic stress, triggering growth hormone release and engaging both slow and fast-twitch muscle fibers. However, caution is advised against excessive reps to avoid form breakdown.

- **Advantages of Low Rep Training:** Low rep training contributes to overall muscle growth by recruiting a higher percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibers, leading to greater strength gains. The video acknowledges the potential drawbacks of heavy weight loads, such as joint strain.

- **Recommendation for Optimal Results:** The video suggests combining both high and low rep training in a cyclical fashion to reap the benefits of each. This approach is seen as effective for breaking through plateaus and achieving comprehensive muscle growth.

FINDFUTUREHEALTH
Автор

I do both. I have 2 dumbells, one with 15 pounds, the other 30. I do concentration curls to failure, never count reps, just sets. I randomly switch between the two. Same with triceps. Dumbell kickbacks switching dumbells and dips. It works for faster growth..

CeeTeeUSA
Автор

i've been doing both, mixing the types of weights--free weights, nautilus, resistance bands...oh, and body weight 'cause it felt right to mix it up ... and because i want some muscle, but mostly strength, stamina, endurance... i want it all!!!!

ItsSoarTime
Автор

At the end of the day man, everyone is different and has different pathways to success. For me, 12-15 reps per set is the most ideal and comfortable. Try different pathways, and see what works best for you. It's that simple. No matter which path, you'll reach your destination through hard work and consistency.

_Shadow.
Автор

The problem with this argument every time it’s brought up is it forgets to mention the tempo of the reps. High reps isn’t the reason for hypertrophy, it’s the amount of time under tension. Those high rep sets are meant to take 45 seconds. So roughly 4 seconds each rep, with the majority of that time spent on the eccentric where most growth is made

markusbond
Автор

Iv only been training for a year and it’s nice to know Im already doing this💪

ashcate
Автор

In my experience, "personal experimentation" is the ONLY way to learn what number of reps will give you what results. EVERY BODY is DIFFERENT. What works for YOU may NOT work for me. I started bodybuilding at twelve (12) years of age. I was doing 10 - 12 reps but seeing little results. I then started moving heavy weight through fewer reps and began to build a bit of mass.

Now, I am fifty-five (55) years old. My last "New Year's Resolution" was to do 100 consecutive pushups. I reached this goal in June 2024. Each M, W & F, I now do 100 consecutive pushups in addition to my ab work and skipping my Jump rope 100 x.

My pecs. and triceps have NEVER been larger. ULTRA-HIGH reps. work best for me! ☺

benjaminhawthorne