Shaping Exercises Build Just As Much Muscle

Author: Jonathan Perez

Shaping Exercises Build Just As Much Muscle
Copyright (c) 2006 Jonathan Perez

One of the biggest misconceptions that has been around for
decades is that in order to gain muscle mass and gain
weight you "must" do certain exercises.

9 times out of 10 those recommended are "the big compound
movements", like bench presses, squats, and military
presses.

Most advise to stick to these "basic" movements if you are
looking to build muscle fast, and to avoid so called
"shaping" exercises, such as crossovers, flyes, laterals,
and leg extensions.

Some competitive bodybuilders don't use shaping movements
until the final few weeks of their contest preparation.

The misconception behind this rational is that big,
compound movements are for building mass, and shaping
exercises are for defining a muscle.

Wow, that couldn't be further from the truth!

Just take a step back and look at the whole picture for a
second.

Do you really think that a muscle has any idea whatsoever
if you are doing a "compound" movement or a "shaping"
movement?

The only thing muscle fibers recognize is resistance,
stress, and tension, regardless if that's coming from bench
presses or flyes...regardless if it's coming from free
weights or cables...regardless if it's coming from a
compound or a shaping exercise.

The whole idea that isolation / shaping exercises are only
good for defining a muscle and not for building size is one
of the biggest myths around.

Regardless of what specific exercise you are performing, if
you are providing enough tension the muscle is only going
to do 1of 2 things, stay the same or grow...not define
itself.

Any weight exercise works the muscle fibers which, when
done properly, will build it.

So, yes, flyes will help your pecs grow.

Yes, side laterals will make your shoulders bigger.

Yes, leg extensions will add size to your quads.

If you are taking your muscles to their limit with the
correct bodybuilding workout technique, the muscle is going
to grow, period.

Competitive bodybuilders think that shaping exercises help
bring out more definition or "striations" in their muscles,
when in fact what's bringing that out is the fact that they
are dieting any body fat that's covering up that muscular
definition.

It has nothing to do with the exercise.

Let's get one thing straight: weight lifting exercises
build muscle...period.

Definition, shape, striations, etc., comes from a proper
bodybuilding diet that will burn body fat.

Also, it's easier to get a deep muscular pump with
isolation exercises.

Isolation exercises work the muscle in such a way that no
compound exercise can because it "isolates" the intended
muscle you are working more.

So, include both types of exercises in your workout program
for the ultimate development.


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