Mike Mentzer EXPLAIN What Really Makes Muscles Grow

Summary

In this thought-provoking discussion, the speaker challenges the common belief that more volume equals more muscle growth. Drawing from years of observation in bodybuilding and strength training, the speaker debunks the idea that increasing sets leads to guaranteed growth, emphasizing that beyond a certain point, too much volume actually hinders progress. The speaker critiques the 'more is better' mentality, particularly in the context of the bodybuilding industry, highlighting the flaws in this approach and offering a more scientific perspective on effective training.

Takeaways

• 😀 The idea that more training volume always leads to better muscle growth is flawed and simplistic.
• 😀 Volume, or the number of sets, is not the key to muscle growth; in fact, excessive volume can lead to atrophy and weaker muscles.
• 😀 The notion that 'more is better' in bodybuilding is based on a misunderstanding, often perpetuated by those who profit from selling products and training methods.
• 😀 Training for hours on end with excessive volume is not an effective way to build muscle, as demonstrated by bodybuilders who train for years without significant results.
• 😀 Joe Weider's popular 'more is better' philosophy is more focused on business profit than actual scientific principles of muscle growth.
• 😀 The science of bodybuilding and muscle growth is more complex than simply increasing training volume, and proper training must focus on efficiency and effectiveness.
• 😀 The majority of bodybuilders who follow the 'more is better' approach will likely fail to achieve meaningful results, leading to frustration and burnout.
• 😀 Most people train for about an hour because that's how schedules are set up, but this timeframe doesn’t guarantee muscle growth if the quality of training isn't optimal.
• 😀 The effectiveness of bodybuilding training isn’t about how many sets or hours are put in, but about the proper balance of intensity and rest.
• 😀 There is a right way to train, and those who train properly are the ones who will see progress and growth in their muscles.
• 😀 The idea that even one set of exercise can be a negative factor highlights the importance of focusing on efficient training methods rather than sheer volume.

Q & A

What is the primary hypothesis the exercise scientist is investigating?

The exercise scientist is investigating whether the volume of exercise (the number of sets) is directly related to muscle growth. Specifically, he wonders if more sets lead to greater muscle growth.

Why does the exercise scientist reject the idea that volume is the key to muscle growth?

The exercise scientist rejects the idea because, after observing individuals with increased training volume, he found that beyond a certain point, more volume actually leads to weaker muscles and atrophy, rather than growth.

What is the logic behind the 'more is better' idea in bodybuilding?

'More is better' in bodybuilding suggests that increasing the number of sets or training volume will inevitably result in greater muscle growth. This idea is rooted in the belief that if a little is good, more must be even better.

Why does the exercise scientist believe the 'more is better' idea is flawed?

The exercise scientist believes 'more is better' is flawed because it oversimplifies muscle growth. While more may seem appealing in other contexts, like money, it doesn't translate into better results for muscle growth. In fact, excessive volume can lead to overtraining and diminished results.

What does the exercise scientist criticize about Joe Weider's philosophy?

The exercise scientist criticizes Joe Weider's 'more is better' philosophy, arguing that it has caused many bodybuilders to overtrain without seeing proper results. This approach leads many to quit bodybuilding after not achieving the expected gains.

How does the idea of 'more is better' contribute to bodybuilders quitting?

The 'more is better' mentality leads bodybuilders to train excessively without proper guidance, often resulting in no progress. This frustration causes many to give up on bodybuilding after years of wasted effort.

What does the exercise scientist suggest about the relationship between exercise volume and muscle growth?

The exercise scientist suggests that the relationship between exercise volume and muscle growth is not as straightforward as the 'more is better' idea. In fact, the volume might even be a negative factor, and training too much can be counterproductive.

How does the exercise scientist describe the training habits of many bodybuilders?

The exercise scientist describes that many bodybuilders train for hours a day, sometimes for years, without achieving significant muscle growth. Despite varying the volume of their workouts, these individuals often fail to make meaningful progress.

What is the issue with most bodybuilders training by the hour?

The exercise scientist points out that training by the hour, which is based on societal conventions, does not guarantee muscle growth. This approach doesn't always lead to the desired results, as some people may not be training effectively, even if they put in the time.

What is the exercise scientist's view on one-set training?

The exercise scientist believes that even doing just one set can be a negative factor in bodybuilding training, suggesting that the volume of exercise itself may not be as important as other factors that contribute to muscle growth.