Quote Originally Posted by pman42 View Post
I have always found that a compound approach works for me. train for size but also for strength. the goal being to beat the log book on a consistent basis, since lifting the same weight with the same reps will not result in the same degree of muscle damage, and hence hypertrophy, over time. after all, why be big if you're not strong? and why be strong if you're not big?

lately i have been reading so many different sources and programs i am just overwhelmed with info. it seems everyone has a miraculous program to put on 15 lbs in 8 weeks, but when i look at them, i realize that what I am doing is better. i haven't really read a program or source so "authoritative" that i break out the new logbook i have dedicated to my "next" program. it was going to be 5/3/1 but with my back now i can't squat or deadlift so i will shelve that plan for a while.

i am wondering the ever-present question as well, how do i keep getting bigger? what is the best way? just pick the exercises that work for my body and bomb and blast them, heavy and hard, week after week? or find a program and stick with it? the thing i don't like about programs is there's always a week or 2 of settling in and it feels like wasted time when i can already go into the gym and pretty well destroy any muscle group.

thoughts?
i agree with this. i train for size and shape but every time i get in the gym i look to set a new PR if i feel up to it. strength is more satisfying, and easier to quantify than aesthetics, but i want to get aesthetic... so i go for both. once i can master a heavy weight, i can drop down a bit to a weight that used to be a hard 3 and start hitting it for sets of 10.. thats when new size comes for me.

so i guess my method is work up to a new weight PR, then drop back down and master the level right below, and then go back up again, rinse and repeat.