How does strength training differ from hypertrophy training? How much overlap is there?
In other words, will strength training get you bigger? Likewise, will hypertrophy training make you stronger? If you want to maximize strength gains, how should your training program look?
Can you build a healthy, muscular physique with just strength training or do you also need accessory movements? And if you are training more like a powerlifter, how much volume is necessary to get stronger?
These are common questions I get about strength versus hypertrophy training, and in this podcast, I invited Dr. Brad Schoenfeld to dive into the science of training for strength compared to lifting with the goal of gaining muscle size.
He’s the perfect guest for the topic, because he was recently involved a narrative review of the science of maximizing strength.
Brad practically needs no introduction, but in case you’re not familiar with him, he’s an internationally renowned fitness expert, author, educator, lecturer, and researcher, who’s published over 200 peer-reviewed research articles on exercise and sports nutrition. He’s truly an authority on all things related to body composition, hypertrophy, fat loss, and natural bodybuilding.
In this interview, Brad and I discuss . . .
- The role of rep ranges for achieving strength goals and how training with heavier and lighter loads may have additive effects
- Why 1RM calculators don’t always accurately predict your true strength
- The usefulness of machines compared to free weights
- Compound versus isolation exercises and how to adjust your training to your specific circumstances and goals
- Whether deadlifts are overrated or underrated for hypertrophy
- How specificity is often overemphasized in strength training
- “Strength endurance” and how it’s more practical for everyday activities than maximal strength
- Set intensity and training to failure
- The role of age in strength training and how your age factors into your programing
- And a lot more . . .
So whether you're a seasoned lifter or just starting, tune in to learn how to optimize your training for strength and hypertrophy goals, and let me know your thoughts!
Timestamps:
(0:00) - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe!
(2:43) - What is the difference between getting strong and having bigger muscles?
(31:07) - Save up to 30% on Legion Health Supplements this week only! buylegion.com
(32:17) - What is set intensity and proximity to muscular failure?
(46:12) - What are your thoughts on strength training as you get older?
(51:00) - What are your thoughts on the one rep max test and how necessary are they?
(54:17) - Where can people find you and your work?
Mentioned on the Show:
Go to buylegion.com and save 20% to 30% during my Health Supplement sale this week only! Use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% on any non-sale items or get double reward points!
Brad’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradschoenfeldphd/?hl=en
Brad’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/BradSchoenfeld
Brad’s Textbook: Science and Development of Muscle Hypertrophy: https://www.amazon.com/Science-Development-Muscle-Hypertrophy-Schoenfeld/dp/1492597678/?tag=mflweb-20
Brad’s Book: Max Muscle Plan: https://www.amazon.com/M-X-Muscle-Plan-2-0/dp/171820714X/?tag=mflweb-20
Muscle for Life with Mike Matthews