basic movements or isolation? HUGE by FLEX

[Sexual]

Just ordered this book called HUGE by Flex and I started the isolation based mass gain because I've been working out for years now and I didn't need to go through the first four week period.

Problem was: I got so sore I couldn't even move almost and school and work SUCKED because I hurt and had no energy.

Should I - go to the first four week period which works out every muscle three times a week so my muscles can get used to the heavy isolation exercises..... or continue with the thirteen week mass gain and hope that I don't get as sore with each workout as I progress.

 

[Phoenix_of_the_ashes]

Whats wrong with doing the basic big movements?

 

[Alpine]

It's only natural to isolate a muscle you want to get bigger, pump it up and see it bigger, to assume this is the answer.

Probably after only many years of frustration do you turn to compounds thinking you'll give anything a try. Only to find that elusive muscle grew like a weed without any direct work at all.

Arms in particular.

My arms stopped growing on curls and tri extensions. Years later weighted chins and heavy rowing added another inch with no direct arm work at all.

Even more important and less understood is the need for a big leg and hip exercise to build huge arms. I don't really understand it either, but you have to do it yourself before you believe it.

 

[Synthesize]

If you're that sore, you're probably not eating enough.

 

[Sexual]

Originally posted by Synthesize
If you're that sore, you're probably not eating enough.

Hmm I'll try that and continue with mass gain. I didn't know that soreness can be reduced by eating more.

Thx for other input. Alpine that's some nutty ****. I guess nature intended on people being proportional to an extent even if you do workout one muscle more than others.

 

[lao tzu]

Whats wrong with a little Variety?

 

[Alpine]

I've just thought I should clarify what I'm saying.

When I say direct work I mean like 'isolation' exercises, although in reality there is no such thing anyway.

When you do overhead presses you work the triceps very hard, benches too. These combined with palm facing chins with a weight belt will pack the mass on the arms better than most direct work.

Most people only try this after they have made progress with curls etc and then stopped growing completely.

Some young guys can do huge amounts of sets/reps exercises and still gain. Most people however would gain a lot more mass if they just did a simple deadlift, OHP and bent over rows. Although I'd cycle the number of sets try low rep work 3-6 for a while and see the difference.

After a month or two swap to chins, squat and benches.

Another key element is to start a cycle light, build up to a max, then drop back the weight and build up again. If you think this is crazy then every powerlifter, Oly lifter and those who continue to grow year on year need telling, rather you than me.

My sources would be books like, keys to progression, beyond brawn, power to the people (pavel's ebook) and many non roid orientated bodybuilding forums.

Save yourself some sweat.