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yikes....way too much training. check out mentzer, seriously, it is a logically airtight argument, the final word in training. if you are not increasing in weights or reps each workout, your recovery process is not yet complete, as the adaptation response of the body is the normal response to a stressor (sunlight, training etc) when rest and recovery is adequate. If you were to expose yourself to sunlight in amounts from which you could not recover, as with training, the effect is a negative. stresses such as lifting do not build, they tear down. the recovery is response to the stress is what builds. if you are over training, there is no period for recovery, which leads to the mysterious "plateau", the solution to which is MORE training, usually, to no effect whatsoever.

but i will bet that you have been on vacation or had a layoff where you came back stronger than before you left, even though you thought you would be weaker. that meant your poor body finally had a chance to recover and grow. if you incorporated the right amt of rest all the time, this outcome would be normal. its logic.

I didn't realize there were so many "work out" types on FR. I am glad to see it. I started training back in my flaming liberal days, maybe it was the workouts which delivered me from that evihl!

I used to me a Menzer fan, I also believe in short, intense, workouts, but he, like Atkins, was too dogmatic (actually, Atkins is not as strict as people think). He was an Objectivist, in the Peikoff/Rand style, and while I admired much of what he though, said, and his "rationality", he was probably wrong about some things, and would refuse to look at research data which contradicted his theories. Still one of my early influences.

check out mentzer, seriously, it is a logically airtight argument, the final word in training. if you are not increasing in weights or reps each workout,

Two issues. The first. It is not possible to increase reps, and/or weight, every workout, or you would be benching a thousand punds for high digit sets....The normal Powerlifting protocal, produces by far, the greatest stregnth gains, and muscle hardness...3-5 reps...few sets...

Most of stregnth is learning to generate muscle tension, Only bodybuilders need to make it grow beyond the bounds that making it super strong, will produce.....I.E. At 5'8" 200 lbs 15% BF, My arms are still over 16 inches, and get over 17, when buffed out...And I have yet to break 400lbs in the deadlift.

Occaisionally, everyone needs a rest...That's Periodization. that is what effects optimal stregnth/growth or whatever you may be seeking....

Two. Yes, once upon a time Mentzer was really great. But that was not with out the aid of pharmacology either...something to consider.....I own a copy of Heavy Duty, and there is some useful information in it. But likewise, Power, The Poliquin Principles, Ian Kings book...(I forget the title offhand) as well as Some of the Stuff Pavel is spouting...(Especially the Kettlebell thing...) most of his other stuff seems to be a re-hash of info that can be found in other places...But that's OK too.