Maximum training on a cycle

[RocketFan]

Is "the more the better" a good theory? What is the maximum one can train when on a cycle?
I assume one can do far more than the natural lifter.

Would 25 sets for major muscle groups and 15 sets for minor muscle groups reap good benefit or considered overtraining?

 

[angel77]

Looks like over training to me. I guess it completely depends on how many reps and what your trying to get out of it. If your looking for strength look into DC training. Short sets with heavy weight. 8 reps, 10 deep breaths, try and rep out 4 more, 10 deep breaths, rep 2, and so on until failure and then stretch until it hurts. If your cutting and only trying to lean out 25 sets at a low weight may be ok. You shouldn't need to go above 8-10 sets of a heavy weight ever. 1 muscle group for an hour. Lift more than an hour on 1 muscle group and your probably over training. Hope this helps. Cheers, angel77

 

[RocketFan]

I am looking at routines in BB magazines and they prescribe 20+ sets for chest or shoulders, and some of these sets include quad drop sets. Reps are 8-12. So would this major volume be considered overtraining even if one is on a cycle?

 

[angel77]

I am looking at routines in BB magazines and they prescribe 20+ sets for chest or shoulders, and some of these sets include quad drop sets. Reps are 8-12. So would this major volume be considered overtraining even if one is on a cycle?

depends on how you feel. you know your limits. we are all different buddy. You will heal faster and you wont burn out easily. It feels nice.

 

[mixedup]

actually when I am on I do far less sets because i am constantly increasing the weight and trying to go as heavy as possible to get the most out of my cycle.

 

[citystreets]

I always wondered myself if 2 a days would get you max gain for your cycle. If your recooping so quick then im assuming it would and hsould be done on cycle right?

 

[ibanezman08]

i train 6 days a week on or off.

 

[DLM5]

You shouldn't need to go above 8-10 sets of a heavy weight ever.

That's pretty darn close, some guys might hit up to 12 sets if they just want to blast a muscle and tear the heck outta it.
Just as important as nutrition and the workout is.. the REST period.. now I have a bastersized workout bcuz I'm more of a power guy.. but if I was to gear towards BB'ing, I'd NOT be a fan of the one body part a day 6 days a week workout.. On gear or not..
Few reasons why..
first.. I feel muscles get secondary work and then get hit as a primary too soon.. I've seen some 6 day a week splits that are pretty well laid out.. but I see some terrible ones IMO too.. like doing back one day and biceps the next for example, ect.. my bi's get work when I do my back, even though I try to have that mind muscle connection with my back, the bi's still get worked.. I like more rest between using a muscle secondary and then as a primary..
second.. if your really working with great intensity and driving hard.. that intensity taxes your central nervous system.. 6 days a week of that intensity will run down your central nervous system.. off days are days that your central nervous system gets to rest and recharge.. IMO part of overtraing is not giving enough rest to your central nervous system, and that can hold back from making the best gains you can...

A great BB'ing split for intense training and rest days IMO..
Sun- Chest/Back
Tues- Legs
Wens- Shoulders/ Traps
Fri- Bi's/ Tri's/ Abs
Workout no more than a hour.. alternate exercises.. chest then back exercise, ect.. 8-10 heavy sets in the 8-10 rep range.. KILL those two body parts and let them heal..
Now I don't workout like this.. I'm more power.. upper day and one off, then lower day and one off.. lots of power sets of 5 and compound lift heavy, not much ISO work.. and I'm pretty darn strong for my weight..
But if i was working for MASS, well then I'd be doing more like the routine I described..

 

[DLM5]

I am looking at routines in BB magazines and they prescribe 20+ sets for chest or shoulders, and some of these sets include quad drop sets. Reps are 8-12. So would this major volume be considered overtraining even if one is on a cycle?

I'd say so. It's not about quanity in your training. It's about quality and intensity.
Maybe one day a month you can blast out dropsets, pyramids.. or what ever you want to call them.. they can tear you down and give you a hella pump, while shocking your muscle.. But a super high volume workout (20 sets) like that is hard to keep your intensity up thru-out.. you tend to tank towards the end..
Sticking to a volume you can do a intense heavy workout from start to finish is where the money is at.. a quality workout is maxuim intensity on every set.. you can switch up the exercises to shock the muscle to trick it out a bit.. that can be thru diff exercises, or pre-exhausting before compund lifts..
That's how I see it.. like I said I'm a power guy.. try doing 5 sets of 4-5 reps on your bench with as much weight as you can get up, resting 3 minutes between sets.. I go heavy enuff that I always gotta get a little help on the last rep or two.. talk about gassed.. but even if you do 8-10 reps you should be killing yourself, and you'll never need to do 20 sets doing that..

 

[XxCrisisxX]

It depends.

Is it 100% necessary to increase volume while "on?" No. Will it help? Maybe. Generally, most people can increase total volume to a certain extent when they are enhanced as compared to when they are natural. When it really comes down to it, it's really dependent on the individual. Just don't get caught in the trap of thinking that since you're on that you can do the routines in BB magazines. Most of those routines are downright retarded.

I recommend that you use a routine that works for you naturally and add 10-20% more volume to it. If you begin feeling run-down, back off a little. Simple as that.