When it comes to training in the gym with a view to packing on slabs of lean muscle mass across your frame, there are many different theories as to what works. There are indeed many ways to gain muscle mass and develop a thick and grainy physique, however there is one method which is head and shoulders above the rest. It is the old school hardcore approach to training, using dumbbells, barbells and mountains of weight, training until the death! Read on and learn more about why old school hardcore training is so good, what it does and why you should be using this training style frequently.

            The old school hardcore bodybuilding style of training is most famously endorsed by the likes of 6 times Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates, IFBB Pro and bodybuilding guru Neil Hill and the unmistakable machine that is Branch Warren. These guys have made a name for themselves in the world of bodybuilding with their approach to training, reinventing the definition for intensity. To add to this, with the combined achievements of these athletes it is plain to see it works!

            The principle of training so intensely your head nearly explodes is certainly the best way to make freaky gains. As it goes, to look like a freak you got to train like a freak. The intensity at which you attack each set needs to be uncompromised, with your body fuelled with aggression to the point you want to tear the place down! This level of intensity is certainly going to take you past points where you might otherwise fail or give up. As it is well documented, Dorian Yates would do one all out set where he would perform a few good forced reps beyond failure, not just one or two!

            With your focus on intensity addressed you should look to channel this into some good old hardcore training. Don’t become alienated with machines which so many modern gyms are full of. For sure machines have their place, but there is absolutely no replacement for super heavy hardcore training with free weights. This is because heavy free weights put an awful lot more stress on your muscle fibers, making the workout for anabolic so to speak. The reason this is the case is because with free weights there is absolutely no support from cables or frames, which means you bare 100% of the load and your muscles have to stabilize it themselves. As a result, additional muscle growth occurs and your strength also increases at a higher rate.

            Another benefit with using free weights opposed to machines is the fact that you are able to hit the muscle group from the correct angle, which may be slightly different for each person depending on height, length of arms etc.

            To conclude, by using heavy free weights with a repetition range of 8-12 per set you will see noticeable gains. Try using this style of training for around 8 weeks straight, just focusing on dumbbells and barbells, using machines a lot less and you will certainly see the difference!

‘Knowledge is power’ Team KagedMuscle