HIT vs. Periodization |
Ask 10 people what they believe to be the optimal training regimen and you’ll likely get 10 answers (maybe 11, if one person is indecisive). The true question actually, is there an optimal training regimen? It depends on who you ask. The high intensity training (HIT) proponents say that one set to failure is all that is necessary for optimal growth, while others recommend using periodization where the number of sets, rep ranges, etc actually varies. The truth is that both types of training can be beneficial; it really depends on your goals, time, and training history and experience.
Many of you are probably familiar with the late Mike Mentzer, who was probably HIT’s most vocal leader. His writings were more on the extreme ends of HIT, whereas others recommend more of a balance between both lifting protocols (e.g., sometimes reduce the volume, but not to the extreme of training just a few sets for an entire body part every few weeks like Mentzer recommended). Lee Labrada himself has also touted the benefits of a HIT program vs. high volume training regimens. So let’s delve into some research as to which protocol may be more beneficial for your specific goals and needs.
One review published recently reviewed the available research on resistance training and the effects of various protocols. It is difficult to compare many of these studies because they all use different exercises, protocols, etc. Therefore, many assumptions are made when interpreting this area of research. However, many similarities arise from studies, allowing researchers to draw sound conclusions and not make leaps that are too far off the beaten path.
First, keep in mind that the number of sets is just one component of an overall training protocol. It is also crucial to consider the exercise selection, training speed, goals, training history, nutrition program, age, etc. So while the focal point of HIT vs. periodization is the number of sets, actually looking deeper you’ll see that there’s more to it than that.
Since most individuals over train, cutting back on training frequency and volume may be “just what the doctor ordered” when trying to add some variety. To add a little personal touch to this; I have experimented with HIT in the past. I was surely one individual who was overtraining. I was young and naïve and thought that the more time I spent in the gym, the better. This is a horrible mistake that many novice lifters (and seasoned veterans) make. With HIT, my strength exploded through the roof on every movement; I was training 2 times per week for literally 15 minutes/session maximum. However, I ultimately hit a plateau and just like all programs, my body grew accustomed to that protocol-I needed variation.
This plateau is not surprising and why the folks in the “periodized camp” recommend varying the program. Neurologically, the body needs “confusion” for lack of a better term and varying aspects of your program offers just that.
So why did my strength skyrocket while on HIT? I was over trained, not resting or eating enough for recovery. The food aspect of my lifestyle didn’t change, but training with such limited frequency allowed my body to recuperate from the 6 day/week protocol I was previously performing. My little experiment taught me to train less frequently than I was and to vary my training protocols more often.
Here is a very brief list of pro’s and cons of HIT Training:
Pros
- Allows body to recover
- Offers variation from current protocol
- Short workouts are good for time restraints
Cons
- Does not offer enough variety to workouts
- Not recommended for beginners as training to failure could be dangerous if one is not familiar with resistance training.
- This may be too strenuous for beginners unfamiliar with resistance training.
- Only focuses on strength with limited carryover to activities that may require more muscular endurance.
The moral of the story is that all programs will work for some time. The reason is that our bodies quickly adapt to what we give them; always do 10 pushups and never shoot for more and you are not challenging your body. If you have never tried HIT, give it a whirl for a change. I can guarantee that many of you out there are over training. Go ahead and take one week off; you’ll more than likely come back to the gym stronger than ever and ready to move some iron. Then, don’t train with your normal frequency. Try backing off on training your smaller muscle groups (biceps, triceps, shoulders, abs) and focus on compound movements that utilize many more muscle groups (squats, deadlifts, cleans, pullups, bench, incline bench, etc). If you have some training experience, try training to failure—make sure you have a training partner, so you can truly go to failure (i.e., you cannot push one more rep), but do so with perfect form.
Also remember that all individuals are unique. What works for your friends may not work for you. You must experiment with different training paradigms and always add variety, whether it’s through the exercises you choose, sets you do, rep speed, rest intervals, etc. There are a million variables that go into a successful training regimen and the options are endless—if you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.
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