Around 1 in 4 Americans say they go to the gym. What people actually do in the gym can differ greatly, based on an individual’s health and fitness goals. For example, in weight training, some people focus on building strength while others are intent on building muscle.
While there is a crossover between these types of weight training, there are key differences in the kind of workout session a person will have. In this blog post, we will look at build strength vs muscle and highlight the differences. If you are wondering which type of weight training you should start, keep reading!
Table of Contents
Build Strength vs Muscle
To start, let’s highlight the choice that people have when they commence weight training in the gym. If they wish to increase the strength of their muscles, they should consider strength training. If they wish to increase the size of their muscles, their best option is what’s known as hypertrophy training.
Within both these training routines, the equipment and exercises performed as basically the same. Instead, the differences lie in the following:
- Training volume
- Training intensity
- Rest between sets
With hypertrophy training, there is a focus on more sets and reps than with strength training. To offset this, the intensity is slightly lowered, with a rest period of between 1 and 3 minutes between sets.
With strength training, the number of reps in a set is decreased while the intensity is increased (i.e. lifting heavier weights). There is a longer rest period between sets (3 to 5 minutes).
Benefits of Hypertrophy Training
Aesthetics generally play a big part in the decision to start hypertrophy training, given that many people think large muscles look good and help to build confidence and self-esteem. The increased caloric expenditure that is part of hypertrophy training may also help to aid weight loss.
What’s more, hypertrophy training also increases power and strength, and increases symmetry (which helps to avoid muscular imbalance).
Benefits of Strength Training
Strength training helps to replace body fat with lean muscle mass. Other benefits of strength training include:
- Reduce the symptoms of chronic conditions (such as back pain, depression, and obesity)
- Manage weight
- Increase bone density (this reduces the risk of osteoporosis)
- Increase metabolism
Whatever your gym goals, it is recommended that you take a number of supplements to aid your performance. Click here to learn more about female muscle growth pills.
Build Strength vs Build Muscle: The Bottom Line
If you are ready to start hitting the gym, it’s important to have a focused goal so that you can make the most of your workouts. Take some time to decide if your primary goal is to build strength or muscle. From here, you can develop a workout program that works for you.
If you are ready to start hitting the gym, it’s important to have a focused goal so that you can make the most of your workouts. Take some time to decide if your primary goal is to build strength or muscle. From here, you can develop a workout program that works for you.
Like this blog post the differences between build strength vs muscle? Be sure to check out our other informative articles on a wide range of interesting topics.
