The Long View for Lean

[HalJ]

I've been off the NROL program for about three months. My plan is to start back up with the Break In, then move back to the FL programs. I hadn't yet arrived at the Hypertrophy programs when I stopped working out. (I was using the beginner program.) Here's my question: if my long-term goal is to get and stay lean, are hypertrophy programs of value in the long run? It seems like I've read that hypertrophy routines can increase work capacity when going back to a FL routine, but I can't find where I read that.

[Lost Dog]

Hey Hal. If, by that point, you still feel like you need to lose more fat, there's really no reason not to circle back around and hit the FL 1 again.

However, you could do the hypertrophy routines, even if it's just for a change of pace. Most of your fat loss will come from good nutrition and burning calories in general (life and exercise).

As to work capacity, it depends on the routine, rest, sets, and reps, AND what else you do. A lower workload fat loss routine, but also including intervals and complexes, can do more for work capacity than a hypertrophy targeted routine with less cardio work.

The hypertrophy routine may have more reps/set/load, but since it assumes you want to grow, it won't have you burning as many calories through the other means.

[Lisa~]

What Roland said.