Low Reps = DENSE Muscles, High Reps = PUFFY Muscles

House of Hypertrophy2 minutes read

Different rep ranges can lead to various types of muscle fiber growth, with higher reps potentially causing sarcoplasmic hypertrophy, while classic bodybuilding ranges do not necessarily preferentially produce this type of growth. Powerlifters tend to experience myofibular hypertrophy, while bodybuilders may undergo sarcoplasmic hypertrophy.

Insights

  • Different rep ranges can lead to distinct types of muscle fiber growth, influencing muscle appearance and function.
  • Powerlifters tend to experience myofibril hypertrophy, while bodybuilders may undergo sarcoplasmic hypertrophy, showcasing diverse adaptations based on training styles.

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Recent questions

  • How do different rep ranges affect muscle hypertrophy?

    Different rep ranges can impact muscle hypertrophy by influencing the type of muscle fiber growth experienced. Rep numbers ranging from 6 to 35, performed close to failure per set, have been shown to be effective for muscle hypertrophy. Higher reps may potentially lead to sarcoplasmic hypertrophy, while lower reps may result in myofibrillar hypertrophy or myofibrillar packing. Myofibrillar hypertrophy involves significant myofibril growth, which is important for strength and muscle density.

  • What is the difference between myofibrillar hypertrophy and sarcoplasmic hypertrophy?

    Myofibrillar hypertrophy and sarcoplasmic hypertrophy are two types of muscle fiber growth. Myofibrillar hypertrophy involves the growth of myofibrils, which are responsible for muscle contraction and strength. On the other hand, sarcoplasmic hypertrophy refers to the growth of the sarcoplasm, the fluid and energy stores within muscle fibers. Myofibrillar hypertrophy is associated with increased muscle density and strength, while sarcoplasmic hypertrophy may lead to a fuller or puffier muscle appearance.

  • What type of muscle fiber growth do bodybuilders and powerlifters typically experience?

    Bodybuilders may experience sarcoplasmic hypertrophy, which can contribute to a fuller muscle appearance, while powerlifters or weightlifters often experience myofibrillar hypertrophy. Myofibrillar hypertrophy involves significant growth of myofibrils, leading to increased muscle density and strength. The type of muscle fiber growth experienced can be influenced by training methods, such as rep ranges and volume, with higher reps potentially leading to sarcoplasmic hypertrophy.

  • How does training volume impact muscle hypertrophy?

    Training volume, or the amount of work performed in a training session, can influence muscle hypertrophy. Higher volumes of training may drive sarcoplasmic hypertrophy, but the relative expansion of sarcoplasm in muscle fibers may not significantly impact muscle appearance. Long-term studies suggest that classic bodybuilding rep ranges (7-12 reps) do not preferentially produce sarcoplasmic hypertrophy, indicating that other factors such as volume play a role in muscle growth.

  • What factors are covered in the free ebook on bench pressing for strength and hypertrophy?

    The free ebook on bench pressing for strength and hypertrophy covers a range of technical and training factors. It includes information on grip width, bar path, rep ranges, volume, and frequency related to bench pressing. The ebook also compares the bench press with similar exercises and includes over 100 scientific references to support the information provided. Access to the ebook is available through the provided link in the description or comments.

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Summary

00:00

"Rep numbers impact muscle growth types"

  • Rep numbers ranging from 6 to 35 are effective for muscle hypertrophy if performed close to failure per set.
  • Different rep numbers may lead to denser or puffier muscle appearances based on how muscle fibers grow.
  • Muscle fibers can grow through myofibrils and sarcoplasm increasing at the same rate (myofibrillar hypertrophy), myofibrils growing faster than sarcoplasm (myofibrillar packing), or sarcoplasm growing faster than myofibrils (sarcoplasmic hypertrophy).
  • Myofibular hypertrophy and myofibrillar packing are collectively referred to as myofibular hypertrophy, involving significant myofibril growth.
  • Bodybuilders may experience sarcoplasmic hypertrophy while powerlifters or weightlifters may experience myofibular hypertrophy.
  • Studies comparing bodybuilders and power athletes suggest differences in muscle fiber characteristics related to specific tension and triceps cross-sectional area to strength ratios.
  • Powerlifters show strong relationships between muscle mass and strength on various lifts, indicating myofibril hypertrophy.
  • Training with different rep ranges may influence the type of muscle fiber growth experienced, with higher reps potentially leading to sarcoplasmic hypertrophy.
  • Long-term studies suggest that classic bodybuilding rep ranges (7-12 reps) do not preferentially produce sarcoplasmic hypertrophy.
  • Higher volumes of training may drive sarcoplasmic hypertrophy, but the relative expansion of sarcoplasm in muscle fibers may not significantly impact muscle appearance.

17:50

"Maximize Bench Press Gains with Ebook"

  • Volume training may lead to sarcoplasmic hypertrophy.
  • Free ebook available on bench pressing for strength and hypertrophy with over 100 scientific references.
  • Covers technical factors like grip width and bar path, training factors like rep ranges, volume, and frequency.
  • Compares bench press with similar exercises and includes other scientific studies on the bench press.
  • Access the ebook through the provided link in the description or comments.
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