The internet is misguided on what amount of reps can build strength…
It’s commonly accepted that strength is 1-5 reps per set, some will say up to 12…in reality strength is built by getting stronger…this can be at any rep range, or even with holds, carries, poses, etc.
Low reps and high reps can both build strength. They can both build mental toughness, but in different ways.
The low rep exercise done to max will activate a fear of hurting yourself, it builds balls. High reps are more likely to mentally drain you, you’ll be hesitant to get under the bar and slog it out til the sets over, they build determination.
Notice how both can build strength, both mental, and physical.
However, I say it’d be more beneficial to almost everyone to get REALLY FUCKING strong at higher rep ranges.
Why not approach the bar with the goal of hitting for 50 reps what most would be content to hit for 1, 3, 5 reps?
It’s a whole different world, and while you won’t hit a powerlifting world record level weight for 50 you can get damn heavy weights on high rep ranges with consistent effort.
I’d argue the higher rep range is superior, especially for those training at home and/or alone due to a couple factors.
- Safety-less likely to need a spotter.
- Less Equipment-with a higher rep range you don’t need as much weight, ergo less equipment is required.
A 300lb weightset is often thought of as not enough weight. That’s looking at it wrong.
Can you deadlift and squat that set for 50 reps?
Can you power clean that set and press it for reps…cold?
Add in another 200lbs, make it a 500lb set and ask those questions again.
See how the high reps can make you diesel yet?
It’s not being content to train halfheartedly for high reps like the majority of commercial gym goers (I have an exact person in mind as I write this), but to take that high rep range and attempt to hit other’s 1 rep maxes for those same high reps.
A whole different world, one usually only discovered by bodybuilders, you too can enter it, and reap it’s rewards.