Do You Really Have to Change Up Your Routine to Get Big?

[curling]

I have heard that but is it really true. I mean if you do the same thing at the gym(and add more weight) aren't your muscles going to grow anyway even though you do the same routine?

For example my chest workout:

3 sets of db bench presses(going heavier on each set)
3 sets of incline bench bar(going heavier on each set)
3 sets of dumbell flies
3 set of cable crossovers

If I did that every time would I grow? If not, what do I need to change up?

 

[ballast]

Eventually, your body will adapt to the same routine.You don't have to completely change your routine to experience new gains.A tweak here and there will do it;Lower your reps, take less time between sets, increase the speed of reps or change the order of the exercises.Small things like these should be enough to force your body to re-adapt.The only time you might need to totally change your routine would be if your goals have changed.For example, if you had been training for mass then decide to train for endurance, your routine will need to be different.

 

[needsize]

I think that if you could continue to add weight every week then the odds are you might keep growing, but the reality of doing the same exercises and being able to add weight to them every week is not too likely.
I wish it weren't so because I love my core routine and wish I never had to change it!!

 

[Grizzly]

I read a study a year or so ago about this. Well, somewhat about this. Changing it every week is not that good, if you ask me. The study I'm talking about said that if you perform the same exercises for 4-6 weeks you become stronger because of the neurological pathways that develop. Or however I'm supposed to say that. Basically, doing the same exercise week after week is good for, at least, 8-10 weeks. I know I read an article by Dorian Yates where he said that he does the same things in the same order so that way he could see if he was progressing or not. Personally, I like to use the same routine almost all the time with only a minor tweek here or there.

 

[Super Girl 22]

YOU SHOULD CHANGE UP YOUR WORK OUT TO "SHOCK" YOUR MUSCLES. IF YOU KEEP DOING THE SAME WORKOUT, YOUR MUSCLES WILL FALL INTO THE "ROUTINE"...YOU WILL HAVE BETTER RESULTS IF YOU CHANGE YOUR WORKOUT EVERY COUPLE OF WEEKS (I USUALLY CHANGE IT UP EVERY 2-3WKS)

 

[Test boy]

Everybody is different, here is my opinion.
As long as you are making gains, you don't need to change the routine.

 

[Lord_Suston]

It is different for everyone but the first few weeks (about 4) it the neurological pathways that are being stregthened, and coordination. After these few weeks your progrees becomes slower because the only factor affecting your performance is muscle gain. I usually change my routine when I am not progressing. I use a progression sytem of adding a certain amount of weight per week and I find I can go about 4 months on this routine before I need to change either the order of my exercises or the excercise themselves.

 

[The mann]

and lets not forget a good diet high in protein ad some carbs to support your training..........if it ain't broke don't fix it.....when you feel stale change it up,if you are doing good don't just change for the sake of changing............

 

[endpoint]

I dont think changing the exercises in your program is that essential.

what i think is important is periodization......with a well planned attack months in advance.

i think this "shocking the muscle" buisness is just muscle mag talk.

ballast: there are even smaller things that you can do like changing the width of your grip or stance.

but anyway i digress, varying rep schemes and the type of work you do eg: speed work, maximum strength efforts, hypertrophy.....

will result in a net gain of much more than if you just change from a tricep push down to a skull crusher.

 

[The mann]

endpoint,i agree with that.also changing reps,sets,cut rest between stes.......as long as you shock the muscle..........