Swain's Muscular Hypertrophy

[solidj55]

I would say do the volume phase, then the 5x5 phase, the instead of 5x3 go with 8x3. Just my .02

 

[gettinlarger]

nice routine, i wish my gym had a t-bar

T-Bar rows can be done by lying a barbell in a corner of the gym. Load the side sticking out with a few plates. Straddle the bar, and row!

Swain, looks great man. Keep us all posted. I'd like to see how this works out for you.

 

[louden_swain]

So far this has been really tough!!! My weights have been decreased significantly, but this is OK. I am used to training to failure with low reps, but this does not apply towards the hypertrophy cycle.

Right now, my muscles are gorged with a tremendous amount of blood and my physique looks bloated.

Volumize!!

 

[DrBones]

Swain,
I thought you usually preached barbell inclines?? What made you choose incline dumbells over barbells? Fuller contraction and more ROM? or just time for a change?

I've switched back to barbell since so many people here were preaching it for the last couple of months and have been noticing good gains since...

I'm sure when/if i switch back to dumbells in a month or so the same thing will most likely happen...

Just curious what your thoughts are

 

[louden_swain]

Swain,
I thought you usually preached barbell inclines?? What made you choose incline dumbells over barbells? Fuller contraction and more ROM? or just time for a change?

I've switched back to barbell since so many people here were preaching it for the last couple of months and have been noticing good gains since...

I'm sure when/if i switch back to dumbells in a month or so the same thing will most likely happen...

Just curious what your thoughts are

Yes, I felt it was time for a change. I want to strengthen extra stabilizer muscles around the shoulder blades. Right now, I am using a 45 degree incline (rather steep by most standards). I feel that this angle is best for developing the pec/delt tie in, plus it develops additional muscle along the collar bone. As for decline presses, I am specifically working on technique. I am lowering the bar to the lower pec/sternum then pressing straight up instead of pressing the bar until it is over my eyes. Since I am a bodybuilder, my elbows are flared and my forearms are kept perpindicular to the floor. I still feel a lot of stress in the delts, but it is not a negative stress.

If you are making good progress with the incline barbell press, then stick with it for a while. In a few weeks, swith to dumbbell work. Sounds like things are working good for you.

 

[DrBones]

Swain:
Sounds good.. I believe dumbells have there benefits as well.. was just curious what your thoughts were...
I intend on continuing to use incline barbells at least until the beginning of feb... if the gains keep coming I'll hold on to it until march... Just have to wait and see
Thanks