5 Muscle Building Myths

by: BradMartinson
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As a bodybuilder yourself, you have doubtless heard some of these myths before at some point.

1. 12 Rep rule

The typical weight training program features twelve reps, the conventional wisdom is that this somehow the best number of reps for gaining muscle. In reality, following this rule does not provide your muscles enough tension to grow as well as they potentially could.

Heavy weights mean bigger gains in strength and muscle due to longer tension. Longer tension, of course results in more muscle mass. This is because it encourages growth of the muscle fibers, also building endurance.

Eight to twelve reps does not give you the tension levels that can be achieved by less reps with heavier weights, or the longer tension that comes from light weights with more reps. To create all types of muscle growth, change up your routine - both in terms of repetitions and the weights you use.

2. Three Set rule

While there is nothing in the world wrong with three sets, neither is it is also not a panacea for weightlifters. How many sets you do should have a lot more to do with what your personal goals, and a lot less to do with an old rule that many do not understand. Bear in mind that the greater the number of reps per set, the fewer sets you should do. And the other way around, of course; the total number of reps should be the same no matter how many sets you choose to break it up into.

3. Three to four exercises per group

There is really no basis for this myth. It is better to do more reps of one exercise than lose focus by trying to do too many different exercises per group. Try upping the number of reps (say 30-50, somewhere in there). Obviously, break this up into sets.

4. My knees, my toes

An adage of the gym with some basis, though it is more common to be injured as a result of leaning forward too far during an exercise. Memphis University researchers have found stress on the knees increases approximately one third when the knees go past the toes during squats. However, stress on the hips goes up ten times when the knee is held back from passing the toes.

But hip stress increased nearly 10 times or (1000 percent) when the forward movement of the knee was restricted. Because the squatters needed to lean their body forward and that forces the strain to transfer to the lower back.

Focus on your upper body position and less on the knee. Keep the torso in an upright position as much as possible when doing squats and lunges. These reduces the stress generated on the hips and back. To stay upright, before squatting, squeeze the shoulder blades together and hold them in that position; and then as you squat, keep the forearms 90 degree to the floor.

5.Lift weights, draw abs

What is the most important muscle group? The transverse abdominis? That all depends. The answer depends on what exercise you are doing. In most cases, the body already knows which muscle group to call into action to keep the spine supported. Focusing on the wrong muscle group (in this example, the transverse abdominis again) can work the wrong muscles while holding back the correct ones, which raises your risk of injuries and lowers the weight you can lift.

About the Author

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