One of the reasons the human body is so amazing is because it's an adaptable organism. When we are exposed to stressors, we can adjust our physical being so that the next time the same stressors come back, our body will be better equipped to handle them. The body of a bodybuilder is more adaptable than most. The training of bodybuilders requires that they train the exact same way week after week.



So it comes as no surprise that bodybuilders will hit plateaus where they can't make muscle gains where they used to be able to. Presenting new stressors to the body is the only way that you can make it grow. Most successful bodybuilders are already aware of the fact that they need to find new ways to stress the body in order to keep growing. These are some of the ways this can be done.

Performing More Reps

Training with a higher amount of reps can recruit slow-twitch muscle fibers. These are fibers that usually are not used in a normal set of 5-10 repetitions. If a bodybuilder decides to use this while training, as they go past their normal amount of reps, these muscle fibers will compensate for the new enduring workout. As a result, new muscle fibers will be recruited and new ones will grow.

Performing More Sets

When you increase the number of sets, there is more blood present in the muscle group for a longer period of time. This means longer pumps and better results.

Adding More Weight

Putting more weight with exercises and training will require new growth for the muscle group to respond with. Muscle fibers are recruited and created to compensate for the extra weight, so the muscle group will grow in the days following the workout. It's important to know that this technique requires the help of a spotter.

Adjusting Rep Speed

Completing reps at a faster rate will require more of an intense lifting style and can utilize the tendons and other support areas. Completing reps slower will recruit muscle fibers that are specifically for endurance. These are effective techniques, but need to be exercised carefully and with less weight.

Break Time Between Sets

Taking shorter breaks between each set will force the body to keep more blood in the muscle group; this is desired for bodybuilding purposes. Taking longer breaks between sets will give the body more recovery time, which results in more strength. Power lifters and others who want strength gains find this technique very helpful.

It's important to know that these techniques are not to be used everyday on every muscle group, doing so would result in over training, which would short-circuit growth. It is best if these are used sparingly on the body parts, this way it is still effective, and the body keeps on growing.