Just read Schoenfeld's 2024 meta on volume, what's the takeaway for us naturals?
So I just went through Schoenfeld's latest meta-analysis on volume and I'm kinda blown away by the details! For natural lifters, the main takeaway seems to be that 10-20 sets per muscle group per week is where the magic happens (yeah, I see you hitting 20 sets, calm down). He also dives deep into volume thresholds for hypertrophy versus strength gains, which is a solid reminder that not all volume is created equal.
The study analyzed a bunch of RCTs and long-term studies, focusing on well-trained individuals. So, we're talking serious lifters, not newbies. Schoenfeld mentions that the relationship between volume and hypertrophy is non-linear, which means after a certain point, you might hit diminishing returns, more isn't always better, folks.
Plus, the sample size was decent, but remember, there's always variability in individual responses! So if you're feeling fried from those 15-set leg days, maybe back it off a bit and aim for that sweet spot. TL;DR, 10-20 sets is gold for growth, but listen to your body, not just the numbers! What do y'all think? Are you hitting that volume yet?
Here's a quick reference:
- 10-20 sets: Optimal for hypertrophy.
- Higher volume: Risk of burnout/injury.
- Listen to your body: Adjust based on recovery and performance