You can only build muscle tissue if you can generate progressively stronger muscular contractions, so this calls for an emphasis on finding ways to increase exercise intensity. This should not be confused with exercise duration as maximum training intensity will actually shorten the time needed to achieve maximal muscular growth.

In an earlier article I outlined the ways in which you can intensify your training. Here we'll focus on the role that forced repetitions have to play in intensifying the training effect.

When you reach the point of muscular failure it is impossible to manage one more complete repetition of any exercise, at least not without losing form or correct technique. There is, however, one way in which you can increase the intensity even further and that is by completing one or more forced repetitions with the help

The best way to achieve this is by keeping the same weights on the bar and have your training partner do no more than is necessary to allow you to complete up the three extra repetitions with good lifting form.

Beginning bodybuilders should avoid forced reps until they have learned good lifting techniques and have prepared their muscles for the stresses involved in this particular approach. Intermediate lifters should consider adding forced reps to one exercise in the pre-exhaust sequence. Advanced bodybuilders can utilize forced reps based on their own needs and judgement.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Advice to learn more about the issues covered in this article.

• Add Intensity To Your Muscle Building Workout


• Increase Your Training Intensity - Training To Failure


• Increase Your Training Intensity - Pre-Exhaustion


• Choosing The Right Bodybuilding Supplement


• The Importance Of Creatine In Building Lean Muscle


• The Role Of Whey Protein In Achieving Significant Muscle Gain


• The Role Of L-Glutamine In Building Muscle


• Can Growth Hormone Boosters Enhance Muscle Growth?


• What Causes Muscle Growth?


• The Role Of Repetitions In Your Muscle Building Program


• The Importance Of Sets In Your Muscle Building Program


• How Long Should You Rest Between Muscle Building Sessions?


• Creating An Anabolic State That Supports Muscle Growth


• They Dont Know Squat!


• Clothes and Shoes and Stretching