Over the decades, certain schools of thought have established themselves as some of the most effective approaches to building muscle. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s high-volume training, Mike Mentzer’s high-intensity training, and a few others have stood the test of time. However, bodybuilding coach Marc Lobliner believes that adhering to any particular school might be a disadvantage.

The 43-year-old refused to proclaim any singular method as superior. The IFBB Pro, with his years of experience in bodybuilding and fitness, wanted everyone to try a more flexible approach.

Lobliner recommends the trial-and-error method

Lobliner explained that he did not care how qualified a person supporting a particular approach was. If that person was rigidly sticking to the principles outlined by a specific approach, then Lobliner would not entertain it. If you’re wondering why, then it’s because according to the bodybuilder, “training methodology is about nuance.” 

The 43-year-old believed that every individual is unique and must find what works best for them. “It’s okay to use conjugate… To train to failure. It’s okay to do volume,” said the bodybuilding coach. But what the coach majorly advocated was trying “these all at once!” That’s because while these training methods have considerable scientific research touting their benefits, “Science is nothing without application,” said Lobliner.

In fact, the IFBB Pro said that the bodybuilding legends who pioneered these methods didn’t know they would work. They didn’t have meta-analyses backing them up. “They trained and found what works through trial and error,” said Lobliner. Science developed alongside these methods, and in many cases, studies were done long after these methods had established themselves. Since every individual is unique, it’s best to see which one is the best fit.

Even as one engages in the right method of training, there is another factor about muscle building that many tend to forget. Numerous bodybuilders have also talked about the same.

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It’s not just about the training

Simply following a specific method or a hybrid approach to training isn’t the be-all and end-all of bodybuilding. What makes some people champions is not just their training method but also their mindset. Arnold Schwarzenegger became a seven-time Mr. Olympia through high-volume training. Dorian Yates later became a six-time champion through the high-intensity approach.

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However, Yates once said that not everyone who follows his methodology becomes Mr. Olympia. The Shadow said that he was willing to push himself to the point where even the best bodybuilders in the world couldn’t compete. Similarly, Arnold Schwarzenegger nurtured and worked towards fulfilling his vision of becoming a champion since he was a teenager.

All these instances further prove Lobliner’s point when he says that trying to find a singular, superior training method is definitely a waste of time.