One of the most common points of contention among bodybuilders, YouTube “gurus,” and gym-bros is whether high intensity training (HIT) or high volume training (HVT) is superior. As with all things diet-and-training, there have been studies, more studies, and studies of studies. But as I’ve mentioned in another post and in my eBook, if you need a study to establish which type of workout is best, then you know in advance that the difference will be insignificant.
But here’s the kicker. After years of listening to these arguments and trying all the workout splits each method offers, it finally dawned on me to do the math and see just how much higher the high volume training was. Below is a comparison of two barbell curl workouts I’ve done:
- (HVT) 25 lbs x 10 sets x 10 reps = 2,500 lbs total volume
- (HIT) 55 lbs x 12 reps, 65 x 10, 75 x 8, 85 x 6 = 2,420 lbs total volume
The difference (80 lbs) is around 3%. Really? This is what people are arguing about? I know — weights, sets, reps, and increments may vary from exercise to exercise, but I’ve crunched the numbers in a variety of combinations, and the biggest difference in volume was always less than 10%.
You may also be thinking that, if you can do a pyramid scheme between 55 and 85 pounds, 25 pounds would not be challenging enough to produce results. All I can say to that is… try it. Better yet, do what I do and try the 10 x 10 with 30-second rest periods instead of a minute. Trust me, you’ll be challenged.
Next up, why I prefer volume training.
Until then, Thanks for reading,
Dan
Get your free eBook
Get your Training Package
