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Training
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ADVICE FOR HARDGAINERSWritten by The FLEX staff May 30, 2008 FLEXONLINE.COM Top 20 Tips 1) GO HEAVIER Even though it's a relative term, continually push your muscles with progressively greater resistance. Regularly increase reps, weight or intensity. 2) USE MODERATE REPS Sets of five reps or less tend to build more strength than mass, and if you train to failure, more than 10 reps make that difficult. Keep most working sets in the 6- to 10-rep range, with higher reps for calves, abs and forearms. 3) EMPHASIZE BASIC TRAINING Use free-weight compound lifts, such as squats, deadlifts, barbell rows, shoulder presses and bench presses. 4) EAT PROTEIN FREQUENTLY A longtime FLEX guideline has been to consume at least one gram of protein per pound of bodyweight on a daily basis. Divide the total between at least five meals. 5) AVOID SHORTCUTS Too much work without enough rest can leave you in an overtrained state. Consuming too many calories boosts fat, not muscle. Using too-heavy weights can put you at risk of injury. A sensible consistent approach is the best route for making gains and maintaining health. 6) ENHANCE YOUR STRUCTURE Alter your training program if you need to grow more in some areas and less in others. Strive for a balanced physique and a V-shaped torso. 7) REST TO GROW Experienced trainers realize that you grow when you are not training. Except for calves and abdominals, you should rest at least four days between workouts for a particular bodypart. Get at least seven hours of sleep per night. 8) ENHANCE INTENSITY Go to failure on most sets. Go beyond full-rep failure on some sets with techniques like forced reps, partials and descending sets. 9) EMBRACE TECHNOLOGY Although compound free-weight basics should form the core of your workouts, utilize the equipment in your gym to stimulate muscle growth from different angles and in unique ways. 10) CHANGE IT UP Vary your exercises, the order, and amounts of sets and reps to keep your muscles guessing and growing.
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