High Intensity Training
Bone + Height Growth | By Taym
-Achieving optimal physical growth and muscle development requires
a well-structured workout plan that combines effective exercises with
proper stretching routines. This guide is designed to provide a
comprehensive workout plan aimed at ensuring muscle growth and
supporting height enhancement. By incorporating high-intensity
training principles inspired by Mike Mentzer, this plan not only
maximizes muscle gains but also promotes an increase in testosterone
levels, contributing to overall physical development.
The workout plan presented here focuses on a balanced approach,
ensuring that each muscle group is targeted effectively while also
allowing sufficient recovery time. High-intensity training (HIT) methods
have been proven to be highly effective in promoting hypertrophy
and improving overall fitness through short, intense workout sessions.
Additionally, specific stretches are included to prepare the body for
exercise, improve flexibility, and support height growth.
This guide includes detailed explanations of each workout and stretch,
supported by scientific data and studies. Whether the goal is to build
muscle, enhance height, or improve overall fitness, this plan provides a
clear and actionable path to achieve these objectives.
What is HIT
High-Intensity Training (HIT) is a training methodology that focuses on short,
intense workouts designed to maximize muscle growth, strength, and overall
fitness. The core principle of HIT is to perform exercises with maximum effort and
intensity for a brief period, followed by sufficient recovery. Here’s an in-depth
explanation of HIT and the reasoning behind its effectiveness:
What is High-Intensity Training (HIT)?
HIT involves performing each exercise with a high level of effort and intensity,
typically until the point of muscle failure. This means that the muscles are worked
to their maximum capacity, stimulating greater muscle fiber recruitment and
promoting more significant growth and strength adaptations. HIT workouts are
generally shorter in duration but highly efficient in terms of the results they
produce.
Key Principles of HIT:
1. Intensity: The workouts are performed with a high level of effort, pushing
the muscles to their limits.
o Meaning of Intensity: In the context of exercise, intensity refers to
the degree of effort or exertion applied during an activity. High-
intensity exercise involves working at a level close to your maximum
capacity, challenging both your muscular and cardiovascular systems.
This can be measured by the amount of weight lifted, the speed of
movement, or the overall effort expended.
2. Volume: HIT focuses on low to moderate volume, meaning fewer sets and
repetitions but higher intensity.
3. Frequency: Due to the high intensity, HIT workouts are performed less
frequently, allowing for adequate recovery and muscle growth.
4. Progressive Overload: Gradually increasing the weight or resistance used
in exercises to continually challenge the muscles and stimulate growth.
Scientific Reasoning Behind HIT:
1. Muscle Fiber Recruitment: HIT stimulates a higher proportion of muscle
fibers, including both slow-twitch and fast-twitch fibers, leading to more
comprehensive muscle development.
2. Hormonal Response: High-intensity exercise triggers the release of growth
hormones and testosterone, which are crucial for muscle growth and
recovery.
3. Eccentric Contraction Focus: HIT often emphasizes the eccentric
(lowering) phase of exercises, which has been shown to induce greater
muscle damage and subsequent growth.
4. Time Under Tension: HIT increases the time muscles spend under tension,
a critical factor in promoting hypertrophy and strength gains.
_____________________________________________________________
Why Stretching Before a Workout is Essential
Stretching before a workout is a crucial aspect of any fitness routine. It prepares
the body for the physical demands of exercise, helps prevent injuries, and enhances
overall performance. Incorporating stretching into your pre-workout routine not
only primes your muscles and joints but also supports flexibility, range of motion,
and muscle growth. Here’s why stretching before a workout is essential and the
science behind it:
Benefits of Pre-Workout Stretching
o Injury Prevention: Loosens tight muscles and increases flexibility,
reducing the risk of strains and sprains.
o Improved Performance: Enhances muscle flexibility and joint
range of motion for more effective movements.
o Increased Blood Flow: Boosts circulation, delivering more oxygen
and nutrients to muscles.
o Enhanced Flexibility: Improves overall flexibility, aiding in
various physical activities.
o Mental Preparation: Helps focus the mind and set a positive tone
for the workout.
Scientific Basis
o Muscle Temperature: Warmer muscles are more pliable and less
prone to injury (Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research).
o Neuromuscular Efficiency: Better brain-muscle communication
improves coordination (European Journal of Applied Physiology).
o Range of Motion: Increases joint mobility, crucial for exercises
needing extensive movement (American Journal of Sports
Medicine).
o Reduced Muscle Stiffness: Enhances comfort and reduces injury
risk (Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine).
o Psychological Readiness: Lowers anxiety and improves mental
focus (Journal of Sports Science and Medicine).
o Study Reference: A study in the American Journal of Sports
Medicine found that athletes who performed regular pre-workout
stretching exhibited greater range of motion and improved athletic
performance.
Incorporating Stretching into Your Routine
To maximize the benefits of stretching, it is essential to incorporate both dynamic
and static stretches into your pre-workout routine. Dynamic stretches involve
moving parts of your body and gradually increasing reach, speed of movement, or
both. Static stretches, on the other hand, involve holding a stretch for a period,
focusing on specific muscles.
By making stretching an integral part of your fitness regimen, you prepare your
body for the challenges ahead, enhance your performance, and reduce the risk of
injuries, paving the way for a more effective and enjoyable workout experience.
Methods:
1. Hanging Stretch
o How to do it: Use a pull-up bar or any sturdy overhead bar. Grip the
bar with both hands, and let your body hang freely. Keep your arms
straight and your feet off the ground.
o Duration: Hang for 30-60 seconds, rest, and repeat 2-3 times.
o Benefits: Decompresses the spine and elongates the body.
2. Cobra Stretch
o How to do it: Lie face down on the floor with your hands under your
shoulders. Push up, lifting your chest off the ground while keeping
your hips and legs on the floor. Hold the stretch.
o Duration: Hold for 20-30 seconds, repeat 2-3 times.
o Benefits: Stretches the spine and opens up the chest.
3. Cat-Cow Stretch
o How to do it: Get on your hands and knees. Inhale, arch your back
(cow pose), and look up. Exhale, round your back (cat pose), and tuck
your chin to your chest.
o Duration: Perform 10-15 repetitions.
o Benefits: Improves flexibility in the spine and releases tension.
4. Forward Bend
o How to do it: Stand with your feet together, and slowly bend forward
at the hips, reaching for your toes. Keep your legs straight, and let
your head and arms hang down.
o Duration: Hold for 20-30 seconds, repeat 2-3 times.
o Benefits: Stretches the hamstrings and lower back.
5. Pelvic Tilt Stretch
o How to do it: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on
the floor. Tighten your abdominal muscles and push your lower back
into the floor, tilting your pelvis upward. Hold the position.
o Duration: Hold for 10-15 seconds, repeat 5-10 times.
o Benefits: Stretches the lower back and strengthens the core.
6. Side Stretch
o How to do it: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Raise one
arm overhead, and bend to the opposite side, stretching your side.
Keep your hips facing forward.
o Duration: Hold for 20-30 seconds on each side, repeat 2-3 times.
o Benefits: Stretches the sides of the torso and improves flexibility.
7. Child's Pose
o How to do it: Kneel on the floor, sit back on your heels, and extend
your arms forward on the ground, lowering your forehead to the floor.
Relax in this position.
o Duration: Hold for 30-60 seconds.
o Benefits: Stretches the spine, hips, and shoulders, and promotes
relaxation.
Workout plan
Day 1
Chest & Triceps
• Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio (treadmill, bike)
• Machine Chest Press: 1 set to failure (use a weight you can lift for 6-10 reps)
• Pec Deck Fly: 1 set to failure
• Triceps Skull Crushers: 1 set to failure
Triceps Extension: 2 set to failure
• Cool-down: Stretching chest and triceps
Day 2 –
Rest Day
Day 3
Back & Biceps
• Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio
• Lat Pulldown: 1 set to failure
• Seated Row: 1 set to failure
• Machine Bicep Curl: 1 set to failure
• Preacher Curl: 1 set to failure
• Cool-down: Stretching back and biceps
Day 4 –
Rest Day
Day 5
Legs & Shoulders
• Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio
• Leg Press: 2 set / 6 - 12 reps
• Leg Extension: 2 set to failure
• Leg Curl: 1 set to failure
• Calf Raise Machine: 1 set to
• Shoulder Press Machine: 1 set to failure
• Lateral Raise Machine: 1 set to failure - 1 set / 6-12 reps
• Cool-down: Stretching legs and shoulders
Day 6 –
Rest Day
Day 7
Full Body Light Workout
• Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio
• Perform one light set (50-60% of usual weight) of the following:
o Machine Chest Press
o Lat Pulldown
o Leg Press
o Shoulder Press
Recommended Sleep and Nutrition for Optimal Fitness
Achieving your fitness goals involves more than just a consistent workout routine.
Adequate sleep and proper nutrition are crucial for muscle growth, recovery, and
overall health. Here’s a guide on recommended sleep and nutrition to support your
fitness journey:
Sleep
Importance:
• Muscle Recovery: Repairs and builds muscle tissues.
• Hormone Regulation: Regulates growth and stress hormones.
• Mental Clarity: Enhances focus and motivation.
Recommendations:
• Duration: Aim for 8-10 hours of quality sleep per night.
• Tips for Better Sleep:
o Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
o Create a restful environment (cool, dark, quiet).
o Limit screen time before bed.
o Practice relaxation techniques.
Nutrition
Importance:
• Energy: Fuels workouts and daily activities.
• Muscle Growth: Supports muscle repair and growth.
• Overall Health: Provides essential vitamins and minerals.
Macronutrient Recommendations:
• Protein: 1.6-2.2 grams per kilogram of body weight.
• Carbohydrates: Focus on complex carbs like whole grains, fruits, and
vegetables.
• Fats: Include healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive
oil.
Meal Timing:
• Pre-Workout: Balanced meal 2-3 hours before; a small snack 30-60
minutes before exercise.
• Post-Workout: Protein and carbs within 30-60 minutes after exercise.
Hydration:
• Daily Intake: 8-10 cups (2-2.5 liters) of water daily.
• During Workouts: Stay hydrated throughout exercise.
Health Cautions
Consult with a Healthcare Professional: It is crucial to consult with a doctor
before starting any new exercise program, particularly if you have pre-existing
medical conditions or health concerns.
Proper Form and Technique: Ensuring correct form and technique during
exercises is vital to avoid injuries. Seek guidance from a fitness professional if you
are uncertain about the proper execution of any exercise.
Listen to Your Body: Always pay attention to your body’s signals. If you
experience pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath, stop exercising immediately and
seek medical advice if necessary.
Warm-Up and Cool Down: Incorporating a proper warm-up before and a cool-
down after workouts is essential to prepare your muscles and prevent injuries.
Hydration and Nutrition: Maintaining hydration and a balanced diet is crucial to
support your exercise regimen and overall health.
Progress Gradually: Increase the intensity and volume of your workouts
gradually to avoid overtraining and injuries. Gradual progression allows your body
to adapt safely to new physical demands.
Rest and Recovery: Allowing adequate time for rest and recovery between
workouts is necessary for muscle repair and growth. Overtraining can hinder
progress and lead to injuries.
Age and Maturity Considerations: Ensure that the workout plan is suitable for
your age and physical maturity. Younger individuals may have different needs and
limitations.
Avoid Overexertion: Pushing beyond your limits can lead to serious health issues,
including muscle strain and cardiovascular problems. Exercise within your
capacity and prioritize safety.
Equipment Safety: Using gym equipment correctly and safely is essential. Follow
the manufacturer’s instructions and seek assistance if needed to ensure proper use.
Incorporating these health cautions into your fitness guide will help promote a safe
and effective workout experience for all readers.