bradd80 said:
Danzy, I'm interested to hear why you'd say this.. Mentzer did die of a heart attack and may have used drugs, but his training methods are now being heavily promoted by medical doctors who specialize in muscle growth research.
Here's one of the articles:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/strength-training/AN00893
His HIT system was also used by Dorian Yates, who went on to win 6 consecutive Mr. Olympia titles.
I think heart problems ran in Mentzer's family, his dad died of heart problems and so did his brother. But I don't think this should take away from the efficiency of his training methods.
Mentzers HIT is a really poor way to train for a natural. Muscle protein synthesis peaks at about the 24 hour mark, and almost returns to baseline at the 36-48 hour mark. Which means the muscle has recovered, and is ready to be stimulated again.
Now with most bodybuilding routines (HIT included), you're only hitting a muscle once per week. Why would you only hit a muscle once per week, when it has recovered in a couple of days?
Oner person hits their chest 52 times a year, the other, 104 times per year. Who will make the most progress?
Of course, you need to manage volume if you're hitting a bodypart multiple times per week, but frequency>failure training everytime. Unless you are using steroids yourself, don't follow any of the routines that the pros "use" or give out as advice.
Books to read on training:
Supertraining
Dinosaur Training
Power to the people
Beyond Brawn/Hardgainer
Nutrition:
Anything by Lyle Mcdonald: The Protein book, ketogenic diet, ultimate diet 2.0.
Burn the fat, feed the muscle
Dan Duchaine: Bodyopus