If you’re a bodybuilder just getting started, you might wonder How to Pack on Solid Muscle Mass. One approach is powerlifting. Bodybuilders in general have a lot to learn from powerlifters. Of course, it’s the other way around too, but a purely “cosmetic” bodybuilder will seldom reach anywhere NEAR his or her genetic potential. This is, I believe, mainly due to the often forgotten factor of raw power.

Raw Power Helps Pack On Solid Muscle Mass

When I say raw power I mean the kind of power that is displayed when doing heavy deadlifts, squats, military presses and benching. Deadlifting in particular stimulates an OVERALL STRENGTH in the body, and unlike most other exercises, these power movements require a determined effort to cheat on – and in the case of the deadlift, I say it’s damn close to impossible!

Pack On Solid Muscle Mass With Compound & Isolation Exercises

Now don’t get me wrong here, thinking I suggest an all-around-compound-movement routine, because I’m NOT! In fact, isolation is one of the main keys to success. However, I believe in combining the best of two worlds, trying to get at least one compound and one isolation movement for each muscle.

Overall Body Strength

The compound movement, which hits the particular muscle and several others around it at the same time, blasts the muscle in a natural way, i.e., works as a component in a larger system. Your body is built to mainly work that way. Originally, nature didn’t provide many occasions when isolating the lateral head of the triceps was crucial. Instead the individual’s overall body strength was the main concern. And here’s the key words: overall body strength. With deadlifts, you don’t only receive a tremendous stress on the muscles, but also on the skeletal system, with a major release of natural growth hormone during the night!

Isolation Movements

Isolation movements aren’t half bad either though. Like I said, nature didn’t require us to specifically develop our lateral heads of the triceps to survive. But it DOES feel damn good to be able to display those full-blown tri’s on the beach! Isolation movements allow you to bring out and concentrate on particular muscles, developing each and every one to its maximum – once you get that foundation that comes from raw power.

There’s Only One Conclusion To Pack On Solid Muscle Mass

The conclusion is simple – compound movements are great for creating basic strength. Even so, by themselves you’re prone to injury and might end up looking more blocky than Adonis-like. Isolation movements by themselves are great for getting the details out. However, unless you start loading on those plates and doing some really taxing work, it’ll be like trying to build a full-scale house from matches. Sure, you got improvements. But you’ll never get that mass-packed frame that tells the world that a guy with serious power is coming that way.

Suggested Combo Sessions For Solid Muscle Mass

Here are several combinations of compound and isolation exercises that can be used as a routine. I suggest 2 sets of each exercise. Your rep range for compound exercises will be 6-8 reps, for isolation, go with 10-12 reps. 

Back/Abs:

• Deadlifts
• One-arm Dumbbell Rows
• Front Lat Pulls
• Shrugs
• Heavy Cable Crunches

Biceps/Triceps:

• Barbell Curls
• One-Arm Cable Curls
• French Presses
• Triceps Pushdowns
• Triceps Kickbacks

Quads/Hamstrings:

• Squats 
• Leg Presses
• Leg Extensions
• Seated Leg Curls
• Standing Leg Curls

Summary

So if you want to pack on solid muscle mass, use a routine that lets you build a foundation with compound exercises, then lets you refine that mass with isolation exercises. Don’t forget nutrition – you won’t build much of anything without a diet high in protein with moderate carbs and healthy fats. Eat to grow but use common sense. Finally, visit illpumpyouup.com for all your protein, pre-workout and other supplement (like creatine) needs!