Are low reps bad on cycle???

[saucerking]

I haven't started my first cycle yet but I'm wondering if my current rep scheme will be an issue. I heard that it's possible to gain too much strength during cycle and damage joints/tendons. My current routine consist of my compounds exercises at 5 reps. It's a full body routine 3x a week mon wed fri.

So is there any kind of issue with me doing 5 reps on my exercises while on cycle? Or should I higher the rep range to prevent joint damage?

[Mr.BB]

What is your objective?

If your objective is bigger muscles (bodybuilding), full body, compound only, and reps set to 5 will not provide enough stimulation for maximum growth.

[saucerking]

What is your objective?

If your objective is bigger muscles (bodybuilding), full body, compound only, and reps set to 5 will not provide enough stimulation for maximum growth.

I am geared towards more strength than size. The routine I am on is basically a Starting Strength but with extra exercises in. Compound exercises are done at 5 reps while isolations done at 8-10 reps. I have grown a LOT from it.

I just want to know if 5 reps is too low and could cause damage to my joints while on cycle?

[almostgone]

I haven't started my first cycle yet but I'm wondering if my current rep scheme will be an issue. I heard that it's possible to gain too much strength during cycle and damage joints/tendons. My current routine consist of my compounds exercises at 5 reps. It's a full body routine 3x a week mon wed fri.

So is there any kind of issue with me doing 5 reps on my exercises while on cycle? Or should I higher the rep range to prevent joint damage?

Are you talking about 5x5 training or 1 set of 5 reps?
I would determine which style of training your body responded to the best. High intensity,higher volume, or a blend of the two.
It takes an extremely advanced lifter using very taxing techniques such as forced negatives, super slow positive and negative reps, etc. to completely work a muscle in 5 reps.

Edit: Just read your post above. If your current style of training is working well for you, I wouldn't change anything just because I was on cycle.

[RichieHulkBourke]

Iagree100%with almostgone,if its not broke don't fix it. If its working anyway then just cos ur on a cycle won't mean it needs to be changed, if anythin this will just give u even greater gains in strength an size

[saucerking]

Iagree100%with almostgone,if its not broke don't fix it. If its working anyway then just cos ur on a cycle won't mean it needs to be changed, if anythin this will just give u even greater gains in strength an size

Ok sounds good. Yeah this routine has def been working for me naturally both size and strength. I was just afraid that I might gain too much strength. More strength than my joints can handle because I am at 5 reps. That was my only concern

[Xv1d]

That is a very real concern and I think you should be pro-active to avoid injury. That is not to say you cannot continue with what you are doing, but adding additional warm up sets and mobility exercises could help mitigate risk. Personally I would rather do an extra set, than squeeze out that last 110% huge rep.

[saucerking]

That is a very real concern and I think you should be pro-active to avoid injury. That is not to say you cannot continue with what you are doing, but adding additional warm up sets and mobility exercises could help mitigate risk. Personally I would rather do an extra set, than squeeze out that last 110% huge rep.

I already do warm ups. And why do an extra set?

[SuperNova93]

I already do warm ups. And why do an extra set?

He already told you. To lower your risk of injury. The warmer your muscles are, and the better your mobility, the lower your chances are of injury. What he is saying, is by doing another warm up set, and adding in some Range of Motion techniques will help.

[PortgasDAce]

If you want to avoid injuries, high volume light weight is the way to go. Deca will help your joints as well

[Baxter35]

There really is no one answer to this that works for everyone. Some people hurt themselves with high weight low reps, and some the other way around. The best thing is to listen to your body and pull back a little when it tells you you've pushed it too hard. Proper rest and recovery is crucial. Having said that, if you want the best gains you have to be willing to push yourself. Whether you choose higher weights or higher reps, the best way to grow is with high intensity which means pushing yourself to failure and beyond. All the magic happens in those last few reps when your muscle is screaming at you to stop and you still keep going!

[musclestack]

On my bench, squat, DL, and OHP, my heaviest set consists of anywhere from 2 to 5 reps. But I also incorporate sets in the 8-12 range as well. I feel like I get the best of both worlds by doing this (size and strength) and it has worked very well for me over the years. Like the others have told you, just make sure you're warming up properly. This becomes more and more important as you get older.

[saucerking]

There really is no one answer to this that works for everyone. Some people hurt themselves with high weight low reps, and some the other way around. The best thing is to listen to your body and pull back a little when it tells you you've pushed it too hard. Proper rest and recovery is crucial. Having said that, if you want the best gains you have to be willing to push yourself. Whether you choose higher weights or higher reps, the best way to grow is with high intensity which means pushing yourself to failure and beyond. All the magic happens in those last few reps when your muscle is screaming at you to stop and you still keep going!

I actually do not go to failure. You will benefit more from not going to failure. That's where you will injure yourself and tax your cns a lot. You would be better off going 1-2 reps shy of failure.

[Mr.BB]

I actually do not go to failure. You will benefit more from not going to failure. That's where you will injure yourself and tax your cns a lot. You would be better off going 1-2 reps shy of failure.

Also you wont grow shiet.

[AR's King Silabolin]

I am geared towards more strength than size. The routine I am on is basically a Starting Strength but with extra exercises in. Compound exercises are done at 5 reps while isolations done at 8-10 reps. I have grown a LOT from it.

I just want to know if 5 reps is too low and could cause damage to my joints while on cycle?

Why? Do you compete? Or else nobody gives a rats ass about what you take. Besides your spotters. Or novices at the gym who doesnt understand nothing.
Bodybuilding high reps will give you enough strentgh, it will dramaticly reduze chances of getting injuried and your cycle will respond much better when you make the blood and pump flow.

And yes, 5 reps could def damage your joints.

But got to say, going for strength wil not be that provoking to the man in the street. So if you are not comfortable with headturns, you are on the rigth path.

[SuperNova93]

I actually do not go to failure. You will benefit more from not going to failure. That's where you will injure yourself and tax your cns a lot. You would be better off going 1-2 reps shy of failure.

If you keep that mindset, and refuse to listen to any of the members on this board, you will never be great. keep an open mind and listen to what these guys are telling you. They have years of experience. If you aren't going to listen to them, there's no point being in this forum.

[Baxter35]

I actually do not go to failure. You will benefit more from not going to failure. That's where you will injure yourself and tax your cns a lot. You would be better off going 1-2 reps shy of failure.

Ummm, no. Just curious how many years experience you have lifting? I have over 20, and I'm just telling you what I've found works best through trial and error...and most of the more accomplished members on here will agree.

[rGus]

Why not do both? high and low reps. You'll get strong and you'll get big. What else can you ask for

[NACH3]

Ummm, no. Just curious how many years experience you have lifting? I have over 20, and I'm just telling you what I've found works best through trial and error...and most of the more accomplished members on here will agree.

I agree since moving to HIT(and of course it's very hard to reach true failure every single set and ex as your body and MIND will want to stop when your set is really just getting started) usually my working set I'll shoot for 4-8 reps at failure then either RP/drop set or forced reps into negatives for beyond failure protocols - if your interested in freakiness check out
This thread

http://forums.steroid.com/anabolic-l...eon%2A%2A.html

[Mr.BB]

Just want to add, to keep ontopic, that all injuries I had were either from overuse or happened at beggining of set (minor tears), never had an injury on last rep or forced rep.
My normal rep range is 6-12, legs can go to 20-25, including forced, negatives and partial reps.

[Baxter35]

Just want to add, to keep ontopic, that all injuries I had were either from overuse or happened at beggining of set (minor tears), never had an injury on last rep or forced rep.
My normal rep range is 6-12, legs can go to 20-25, including forced, negatives and partial reps.

Ditto on the injuries. I used to have a lot of shoulder pain, and it was when I was training light weight super high reps all the time. For me, most injuries come from over use of the joint, not necessarily from how hard I push myself.

[NACH3]

Ditto on the injuries. I used to have a lot of shoulder pain, and it was when I was training light weight super high reps all the time. For me, most injuries come from over use of the joint, not necessarily from how hard I push myself.

Same here... Higher volume just killed my shoulders and when I transitioned to HIT my injury has felt better than using volume(I also stay in the 6-12 total rep range per ex) with the exception of legs as well - I found they respond better to both and higher rep range!

[hawk14dl]

Avoiding failure is a powerlifting theory, I've read it before. Not saying i agree, just saying I've heard it.

As for the rep scheme, if it works go with it. I developed stretch marks going with the 5/3/1 for power scheme

[Ashop]

I haven't started my first cycle yet but I'm wondering if my current rep scheme will be an issue. I heard that it's possible to gain too much strength during cycle and damage joints/tendons. My current routine consist of my compounds exercises at 5 reps. It's a full body routine 3x a week mon wed fri.

So is there any kind of issue with me doing 5 reps on my exercises while on cycle? Or should I higher the rep range to prevent joint damage?

It depends on what your goals are. Bodybuilding, powerlifting??

[saucerking]

Also you wont grow shiet.

Absolutely incorrect. You think you can only grow in the "magical" 8-12" rep range? Well that's not true at all. I have been doing 3 sets of 5 reps on all compounds and grew a shit ton.

Why? Do you compete? Or else nobody gives a rats ass about what you take. Besides your spotters. Or novices at the gym who doesnt understand nothing.
Bodybuilding high reps will give you enough strentgh, it will dramaticly reduze chances of getting injuried and your cycle will respond much better when you make the blood and pump flow.

And yes, 5 reps could def damage your joints.

But got to say, going for strength wil not be that provoking to the man in the street. So if you are not comfortable with headturns, you are on the rigth path.

Look I am not here to discuss whether I should be going for strength or size... That wasn't my question.

If you keep that mindset, and refuse to listen to any of the members on this board, you will never be great. keep an open mind and listen to what these guys are telling you. They have years of experience. If you aren't going to listen to them, there's no point being in this forum.

The only question I had here was if I would injure myself doing low reps while on cycle. Not if 5 reps is optimal for growth, not if I should go for strength or size.. No.

I just want to know if low reps is different while on cycle since steroids can increase strength too much especially if doing low reps. You know, faster than your tendons and joints can keep up with.

Ummm, no. Just curious how many years experience you have lifting? I have over 20, and I'm just telling you what I've found works best through trial and error...and most of the more accomplished members on here will agree.

Correction: You found what works best for YOU. Regardless it's a fact: Going 1-2 reps shy of failure will give you much better and optimal results than going to failure every single set. You don't need to go to failure every single set... Just cause your muscles feel beat up and tired doesn't mean you did a great job.. You're taxing your cns more than it needs to be going to failure every set. Stop 1-2 reps shy of failure per set and you will find much better results.

If you don't believe me, look it up. You have the internet. Use it. Not gonna argue all day about going to failure or not. You should know this already... come on.

Just want to add, to keep ontopic, that all injuries I had were either from overuse or happened at beggining of set (minor tears), never had an injury on last rep or forced rep.
My normal rep range is 6-12, legs can go to 20-25, including forced, negatives and partial reps.

Hmm interesting. I'll keep that in mind.

Avoiding failure is a powerlifting theory, I've read it before. Not saying i agree, just saying I've heard it.

As for the rep scheme, if it works go with it. I developed stretch marks going with the 5/3/1 for power scheme

It's not powerlifting theory, it's for any kind of lifting. But yeah it definitely worked well naturally so I'll do it on juice.

It depends on what your goals are. Bodybuilding, powerlifting??

Again missing my point. I'm saying is it dangerous to do low reps on cycle due to the fact that steroids will increase strength by too much? That's my question.

[almostgone]

Avoiding failure isn't for any kind of lifting as you stated above. In HIT you want complete failure and beyond, unless on a pullback
If you're worried about joint issues, then personally I wouldn't include winstrol. However, to each his own. I had issues with joint aches and injuries the few times I included Zambons.

[Mr.BB]

Absolutely incorrect. You think you can only grow in the "magical" 8-12" rep range? Well that's not true at all. I have been doing 3 sets of 5 reps on all compounds and grew a shit ton.

You are right. My mistake, I forgot to add that if your newbie you will grow from just about anything.

[magic32]

I agree with the fellas on their training changes and recommendations, definitely not full body...that's a temporary maintenance program for people who can't get there often enough to work on change.

Specifically, with regard to your being "afraid that I might gain too much strength. More strength than my joints can handle." Ease your concern on this point, pay attention to your body, warm up properly, and simply don't overdo it. Too much strength is not the problem, it's often too much ego/bravado that leads to injury. Practice the principles and you'll be fine.

Such joint concerns really don't come into play for traditional rec users. Two very specific groups share primary concern in this area: 1) newbie/uninformed powerlifters who make a habit of overdoing it; and 1) hard start and stop athletes who ironically also tend to be users of compounds that are typically hard on ligaments, tendons, and joints.

Lastly, you can NEVER have too much information, so it's best to absorb all you can even when you didn't s ask about it. People here are spending their invaluable time to try to aid you, the least you can do is be appreciative.

Best to you.

[Strongblood]

Hello Saucerking. I don't think I saw what compounds you were thinking of cycling with. But, I understand your concerns and they are well founded. It is possible to injure your tendons and ligaments, especially on a first cycle. As soon as the steroids kick in, your strength will go up quickly. Therefore, you will be able to lift more weight. It is at this time when you can injure yourself. Just keep that in mind and add the weight responsibly.
You do have an advantage over a lot of people in that you have been training low rep heavy weight. So, it shouldn't take long for your joints to respond to the extra pressure you will be putting on them while on cycle.
This is just my opinion. But I hope that this will help answer your question. Good luck!

[Baxter35]

Absolutely incorrect. You think you can only grow in the "magical" 8-12" rep range? Well that's not true at all. I have been doing 3 sets of 5 reps on all compounds and grew a shit ton.
Reps in general are less important than intensity. You can grow in all rep ranges if the intensity is there. And as stated, you will gain well from almost anything as a beginner.



Look I am not here to discuss whether I should be going for strength or size... That wasn't my question.



The only question I had here was if I would injure myself doing low reps while on cycle. Not if 5 reps is optimal for growth, not if I should go for strength or size.. No.
We do tend to give more info than asked for often, in general its just to make sure all bases are covered, it's not meant to offend.

I just want to know if low reps is different while on cycle since steroids can increase strength too much especially if doing low reps. You know, faster than your tendons and joints can keep up with.
You should be fine since you already have some experience training. The biggest risk is when people jump on gear too soon and haven't learned proper lifting technique nor established a strong natural base to build off of. Warm up properly and you should be fine with whatever lifting scheme you choose.



Correction: You found what works best for YOU. Regardless it's a fact: Going 1-2 reps shy of failure will give you much better and optimal results than going to failure every single set. absolutely not a FACTYou don't need to go to failure every single set... Just cause your muscles feel beat up and tired doesn't mean you did a great job.. You're taxing your cns more than it needs to be going to failure every set. Stop 1-2 reps shy of failure per set and you will find much better results.You can't say that I WILL find better results. I've tried it all and learned from personal experience. You are correct though that what works best for one person might not be best for all, but I have definitely learned what works best for me at my current condition. Also keep in mind that as you get more advanced with training your body will need different stimulus to continue getting results. If what you're doing now works, stick with it, just know that someday you will hit a plateau and need to employ more advanced training techniques to continue making gains.

If you don't believe me, look it up. You have the internet. Use it. Not gonna argue all day about going to failure or not. You should know this already... come on. I don't have to look it up, personal experience trumps internet reading all day long.



Hmm interesting. I'll keep that in mind.



It's not powerlifting theory, it's for any kind of lifting. But yeah it definitely worked well naturally so I'll do it on juice.



Again missing my point. I'm saying is it dangerous to do low reps on cycle due to the fact that steroids will increase strength by too much? That's my question.

Already answered above. Overall, welcome to the forums and good luck! Keep us posted with results and further questions...you might get more info than you ask for..but there are a lot of great people here with a ton of knowledge willing to help.

[saucerking]

Already answered above. Overall, welcome to the forums and good luck! Keep us posted with results and further questions...you might get more info than you ask for..but there are a lot of great people here with a ton of knowledge willing to help.

This is the answer I was looking for. Thanks for the info!

[musclestack]

Why? Do you compete? Or else nobody gives a rats ass about what you take. Besides your spotters. Or novices at the gym who doesnt understand nothing.
Bodybuilding high reps will give you enough strentgh, it will dramaticly reduze chances of getting injuried and your cycle will respond much better when you make the blood and pump flow.

And yes, 5 reps could def damage your joints.

But got to say, going for strength wil not be that provoking to the man in the street. So if you are not comfortable with headturns, you are on the rigth path.

I don't understand why some people think getting big, shredded, and freaky looking is a more enviable position than gaining strength? People have different goals. I, personally, like to compete in powerlifting but, even if I didn't, I would still train for strength. Why? Because I want to be strong. Just like you want to be big. Some of us don't care what others think or turning their heads as we walk down the street. Some of us just like the feeling of being able to pull a train. Not everyone goes to the gym to impress others with an aesthetically pleasing physique. Some of us do what we do for ourselves.

[Baxter35]

I don't understand why some people think getting big, shredded, and freaky looking is a more enviable position than gaining strength? People have different goals. I, personally, like to compete in powerlifting but, even if I didn't, I would still train for strength. Why? Because I want to be strong. Just like you want to be big. Some of us don't care what others think or turning their heads as we walk down the street. Some of us just like the feeling of being able to pull a train. Not everyone goes to the gym to impress others with an aesthetically pleasing physique. Some of us do what we do for ourselves.

I've never understood why people think you have to pick one or the other, I prefer training to be both big AND strong.

[DROY]

^^^^Like Baxter35 I have always trained for both.

[musclestack]

I've never understood why people think you have to pick one or the other, I prefer training to be both big AND strong.

^^^^Like Baxter35 I have always trained for both.

Same here. I want to be as strong as possible, but also look the part.