Renaissance Periodization - The Hard Exercises You Can’t Afford to Skip for Real Results
Dr. Mike introduces the concept of Raw Stimulus Magnitude (RSM), which he defines as a measure of how much muscle growth an exercise is likely to stimulate. He explains that RSM is determined by factors such as mind-muscle connection, the pump, perturbation, and disruption. These factors help rank exercises based on their potential to stimulate muscle growth without considering fatigue. Dr. Mike contrasts RSM with the Stimulus to Fatigue Ratio (SFR), which considers both the muscle growth stimulus and the fatigue caused by an exercise. He suggests that RSM is particularly useful for beginners or those with low fatigue constraints, as they can focus on maximizing muscle growth without worrying about fatigue. He provides guidelines for selecting high RSM exercises, such as choosing compound movements, free weights, and exercises with a high range of motion. Dr. Mike also offers a sample workout program using these principles, emphasizing the importance of tailoring exercise selection to individual needs and goals.
Key Points:
- Raw Stimulus Magnitude (RSM) focuses on maximizing muscle growth potential without considering fatigue.
- RSM is determined by factors like mind-muscle connection, pump, perturbation, and disruption.
- Stimulus to Fatigue Ratio (SFR) balances muscle growth stimulus with the fatigue caused by exercises.
- RSM is ideal for beginners or those with low fatigue constraints, allowing them to focus on growth.
- High RSM exercises include compound movements, free weights, and those with a high range of motion.