does rep range matter?

killer_kicks88

killer_kicks88

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I know the title sounds crazy. but this is no bodybuilding thread. I was just really curious, I know several people who lift only compound, but don't really worry about rep range, they just lift. These dudes are strong. Really strong. So it got me thinking, does the rep range REALLY matter? I mean, as long as you're working specific motor patterns and not lifting for the "pump" or isolating anything, does it matter or not. What do you guys think?
 
You could have saved yourself the flaming that is coming by just reading the FAQ.
 
killer_kicks88 said:
I know the title sounds crazy. but this is no bodybuilding thread. I was just really curious, I know several people who lift only compound, but don't really worry about rep range, they just lift. These dudes are strong. Really strong. So it got me thinking, does the rep range REALLY matter? I mean, as long as you're working specific motor patterns and not lifting for the "pump" or isolating anything, does it matter or not. What do you guys think?
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Yes - it matters. Still - rep ranges are not a "magical" cure. If you are not producing enough stress on the body to cause adaptation, it does not matter whether you are doing reps at 1, 3, 5, 10 or 20.
 
Does weight really matter? I mean, if you're still doing the same movement either way does it really matter if its 50 lbs or 500 lbs?
 
What matters is improving in a given rep range.
 
Of course they matter, but whats more important is how much effort you put into it.
 
hughes said:
What matters is improving in a given rep range.
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Bingo. I believe this is probably the answer he is looking for.
The question isn't really worded very well in my opinion. Are you asking if you can get stronger by doing higher reps? Are you asking if you should lift by weight and just do as many reps as possible until failure or close to it? Are you asking if it's ok to do high reps one day and low the next?
As hughes said, you should always be improving with either higher weight in a given rep range or more reps at a given weight.
 
I'm just trying to fit in a lot of volume lately. Stopping at 5 reps and then resting means I have to do a lot more resting to receive the same amount of volume as if a did say, 10 reps. That's twice as few sets it would take. Thanks for the answer though guys, and I do agree, I worded my question very poorly.
 
hughes said:
What matters is improving in a given rep range.
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Yes, exactly right. Unlike some bodybuilders and some women, when they get to a certain weight, they only increase the ammount of reps...that does not work. You should change your rep range every so often, but not every day or so.
 
killer_kicks88 said:
I'm just trying to fit in a lot of volume lately. Stopping at 5 reps and then resting means I have to do a lot more resting to receive the same amount of volume as if a did say, 10 reps. That's twice as few sets it would take. Thanks for the answer though guys, and I do agree, I worded my question very poorly.
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You should be able to move more weight at 5 reps then 10 reps. If you can do 10 reps with the weight you are doing 5 with, add more.
 
killer_kicks88 said:
I'm just trying to fit in a lot of volume lately. Stopping at 5 reps and then resting means I have to do a lot more resting to receive the same amount of volume as if a did say, 10 reps. That's twice as few sets it would take. Thanks for the answer though guys, and I do agree, I worded my question very poorly.
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I actually had a similar concern. I started the Ed Coan Peaking Cycle (Powerlifting Heads-Up Ec Coan Peaking Cycle Calculator) because I was looking for something for a few weeks that had higher reps (mainly to change things up somewhat). However, I also wanted to get in some heavy weight each session. During the first 4 weeks (either 8 reps or 10 reps), I would do Bench, Squat, or Deadlift at the high reps. To offset that, I would do a lift at 3 reps or 5 reps. Ex. On bench day, I'd do SOHP at 3 reps or on deadlift day I'd do weighted pullups at 3 reps. I was still able to get in heavy work sets while getting in quite a bit of volume.
You can also reverse the situation at the later weeks. When you are back to doing low reps on the big 3, do higher reps on the assistance lifts.
Hopefully, my ramblings make sense. I'm in a bit of a rush. Maybe it was something you were looking for, maybe not.
 
Of course it matters, primarily lifting in the low rep ranges make you progress strengthwise quicker, it doesnt mean you cant progress by taking a lift up a few rep extra before droping down to the lowrep stuff again.

Also some lifts, like some suplemental lifts and stuff is better suited for higher reps, which incidently also means that "reps matters" ...
 
Surge said:
Can you explain further into this matter ?
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facepulls, pullthroughs, backextensions, etc usually is done 10 to 20 reps to add on some extra meat on specific places to add to the heavier lifts, nothing advanced. Also you will get a personal preference for some lifts, perhaps your shoulders dont like low rep standing presses or perhaps you see more gains from higher rep squats in periods. etc
 
Cool guys. These were the exact kind of answers I was looking for. And don't worry, I've read the FAQ many times and always lifted heavy, I was just looking for a little change up in rep range. Thanks for all the help fellas, I really appreciate it!
 
There is never anything wrong with high rep work especially lower body.
 
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