Volume vs. Intensity

Understanding Volume and Intensity: Key to Your Progress!

Let’s discuss two essential concepts in your training: volume and intensity. Understanding these terms can significantly enhance your progress in the gym!

🔹 Volume refers to the total amount of work you do in your workouts. In a gym setting, this means more reps, more sets, and more training days. Typically, volume is associated with low to moderate intensity, such as training at an RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) of 6 or using weights that allow for 10-12 reps (10-12RM). Increasing your volume can help build endurance and muscle mass, making it a great strategy for those looking to improve overall fitness or prepare for endurance events.

🔹 Intensity, on the other hand, relates to the effort you put into your lifts. This usually means lifting heavier weights for fewer reps, often in the range of 5-6RM or at an RPE of 8-9. Higher intensity workouts lead to increased strength and power gains, but they typically require longer recovery periods.

💡 Why does this matter? By understanding the balance between volume and intensity, you can better tailor your workouts to meet your goals. If you're looking to build muscle and improve endurance, focus on increasing your volume. If your goal is to get stronger, consider incorporating more intensity into your training.

Remember, both volume and intensity have their place in a well-rounded fitness programme. Adjusting these factors according to your goals will help you maximise your results!