Posted by Dr. Bob on February 11, 2003, at 14:03:49
In reply to Re: La Puma: Guest expert on obesity, posted by missinglynxx on February 10, 2003, at 17:37:29
missinglynxx:
Work out frequency and type depend on your goals: there is exercise to build stamina and exercise to build strength, and they are different, as you know. And then there's activity to socialize, decrease depression, improve insomnia, beat constipation, and feel better.
If you're trying to build muscle, your muscles need a break, and I favor 3x/week with increasing reps or increasing weights on each set. I don't favor reducing the number of reps if you're increasing weight: something needs to stay constant. The only way to build muscle is with frequent repetitions of lower than maximal weight: large weights just balloon out existing muscle cells; they don't create new ones.
If you're trying to build stamina, your body still needs a break, but you're not working to fatigue, so 5-6x/week is optimal. If you're working towards any of the other goals, non muscly goals, the latter is best.
poster:Dr. Bob
thread:140430
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030208/msgs/140584.html