To maximize muscle hypertrophy, in what rep range should your client train?

To maximize muscle hypertrophy, training in the 6-12 rep range is considered most effective due to several physiological factors. This rep range strikes a balance between sufficient weight to stimulate muscle growth and a volume that allows for adequate time under tension, which is essential for inducing metabolic stress and muscle fibers' mechanical tension.

In this range, the resistance is typically heavy enough to activate the type II muscle fibers, which have the greatest potential for growth. Additionally, performing sets in this range leads to a greater release of anabolic hormones like testosterone and growth hormone, which further support muscle development.

Higher rep ranges, such as 12-20, tend to emphasize muscular endurance rather than hypertrophy, while very low rep ranges (1-4) focus more on strength gains rather than muscle size due to the heavier weights limiting volume. Training at 2-8 reps can also contribute to muscle mass but is primarily tailored toward building maximal strength rather than optimizing volume for hypertrophy.

In summary, the 6-12 rep range is optimal for muscle growth because it balances load, volume, and metabolic stress in a way that best stimulates hypertrophy.