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Those who have tried HIT training will note increases in strength, but
will also point out disappointing muscle gains. There are programs
that either offer too much volume, or too little (like HIT), and
both are counterproductive to muscle growth. The proper cycle of
sets, reps, rest periods, and grips are necessary to not only
consistently add muscle, but to avoid overtraining. HIT, by design,
doesn't provide sufficient overload or intensity (even though it, by
name, implies pure intensity) to stimulate consistent muscle growth.
In fact, the only lifter HIT will benefit is one who is either
beginning / returning from an extended vacation (and thus is
unaccustomed to stress, and will soon plateau with HIT), or an
advanced lifter who is overtrained (and benefits from a reduction in
stress, which will also soon result in a plateau). For both the
beginner (or one who returns from a vacation) and overtrained
athlete, HIT will only provide results for a limited time, and then
muscular progress tapers off. The reason is too little volume and
improper rep speed. Those who have tried will note a lack of muscle
gains, but will continue using HIT techniques due to the strength
increases -- they somehow believe muscle growth will soon follow.
This is not so! I am AVIDLY against high volume programs (many sets
per muscle group), but also believe that lack of sufficient overload
is an equally sizeable roadblock to success (evidenced by HIT
techniques). A differing range of sets is best, but only when cycled
properly, and combined with proper grips, rest periods, and rep
speed. Also, correct diet is just as important as proper training
principles, as are MODERATE TRAINING SESSIONS (HIGH VOLUME WORKOUTS
LEAD TO RAPID BURNOUT!). |
