Ditch the Dice, Get Gains: Navigating the Jungle of Strength Training Frequency

Issa: "A personal trainer told me to train muscle hypertrophy 3 times a week rather than 6 times a week because I’m natural (need more recovery). I have been training 6 times a week for two years and have seen pretty good results. Should I trust him?"

Yo Issa, what's up, my fitness warrior? Let's dive into the workout wisdom jungle, shall we?! 🏋️‍♂️

Now, your trainer's dropping knowledge bombs, saying go easy on the muscle party – 3 times a week, not the 6-day rager you've been on. It's like telling your biceps,

"Hey bros, cool it, we need some R&R."

But hold up, this isn't a one-size-fits-all game, and your gain train has been chugging along just fine. So, is your trainer the Yoda of muscle or just throwing fitness dice?

Let's figure this out!

Alright, science geek mode: 🤓

Research on muscle growth is like a Netflix series – twists, turns, and a bit of drama. Some gurus say frequency doesn't matter as long as you're throwing enough reps in the mix. Others are like,

"Nah, hit that muscle twice a week for optimal gains!"

And then there's the question: are you natural or Hulk-ing out on gamma rays?

Natural lifters might need extra TLC – like that friend who can't handle their tequila. Your trainer's nudging you to the thrice-a-week club for more recovery vibes, and there's some sense in that.

But hey, your six-day fiesta ain't a crime either!

Now, let's talk about your muscle romance. 💪

You've been at it for two years, and your muscles are probably throwing a party every time you hit the gym. They're like,

"Issa's back, cue the flex show!"

If your current routine is getting you results, it's like finding that perfect pizza joint – why mess with a good thing? Your trainer's advice is like suggesting pineapple on pizza – it might be worth a taste, but don't ditch the classic pepperoni just yet!

Here's the deal with recovery: 🧘

Your trainer's not wrong about giving those muscles a breather. Think of it like a Netflix binge – you need a break between seasons, right? Overtraining is the workout devil, and we're trying to avoid that drama. But hey, if your body's telling you,

"Bro, we can handle the six-day hustle,"

that's your workout GPS talking.

In the fitness game, it's a personal journey. 🗺️

Your muscles, your rules. Your trainer's advice is like a travel guide, suggesting detours, but you're still the driver. You might enjoy the scenic route of three days a week or love the adrenaline of six. It's your road trip, Issa!

Just don't forget the fuel – protein shakes and the occasional post-workout burrito.

Now, let me drop a wisdom bomb, Bible style: 📖 Remember the story of Peter fishing all night and catching nada? Then Jesus is like,

"Yo, throw your net on the other side."

Boom, a net-breaking load of fish! Moral of the story: sometimes, a tweak in your approach brings in the gains. But Peter didn't ditch fishing; he just needed a different strategy. It's like Jesus saying,

"Yo, Issa, maybe three days a week on that other side."

Hope this workout talk sparks some fire in your gym sessions, Issa! 🔥 If it clicks, UPVOTE, COMMENT, & SHARE. Now go crush those reps with the power of David and the wisdom of Solomon!

Faithfully yours,

Strength Training with Gary

https://www.fit40Strong.com

References:

1. Schoenfeld, B. J., Ogborn, D., & Krieger, J. W. (2017). Training Frequency for Muscle Growth: What the Data Say. Stronger By Science.
2. "The Importance Of Training Frequency For Natural Bodybuilders." Testosterone Junkie, 2023.
3. "These Researchers Reveal the Right Way to Train for More Muscle Mass." Barbend, 2023.*