FT Questions....

[Scott Stevenson]

I felt my muscles were under constant tension - hence - were tired sooner - I was encourage enough to ask this question


to use lower loads (spare the joints) and still get the stimulation


to use lower loads (spare the joints)
spares also time hence maybe it could be done with higher volume (more exercises) ...?



it has been a while (many many years) I've been interested in Super Slow (SS) - but if remember correctly there was not much applause to SS in terms of hypertrophy ...

but not sure if it can be applied here since
we have - slow negative followed by standard reps tempo followed by slow negative - not quite SS protocol - hence my question about opinions of smarters then me

I have to say, I've only now just looked more closely at the article... LOL Great stuff - JUSt as if it appeared 50yr ago!

So, if you're having joint issues, I'd address those in more than just switching to this technique. I'd bet there are other issues at work here (exercise selection, technique, diet, training periodization, etc.)

Yes, here's some of the literature on the super slow technique:

Google Scholar

I'm not sure it it would spare time, and thus somehow allow for greater training volume. (It seems that the slow ECC contractions would prolong the set vs. doing more full reps, making for longer sets...)

THis is a telling study: Google Scholar

"... However, training with a higher intensity at "normal" speed resulted in the greatest overall muscle fiber response in each of the variables assessed."

Still, if you'd want to use that as a Pump Set technique, I say go for it. It sounds like you're motivated to do so and got a novel stimulus out of it. (I would probably not use that technique all the time and you may also find it's better suited to specific exercises / muscle groups.)

-S