30 Seconds SummaryHardgainers? What We Know About Non-Responders
- The term 'non-responder' in training studies refers to individuals who didn't respond to a specific training protocol, not necessarily to all training programs.
- Studies suggest that increasing training frequency can turn 'non-responders' into responders, as evidenced when higher dosages of training resulted in improvements for all participants.
- The concept of non-response is also challenged in strength training, with a study showing that all elderly participants recorded some gains in strength or muscle size.
- Hypertrophic non-responders, or those who don’t experience expected muscle growth, may suffer from an exaggerated inflammatory response, hampering progress.
- Practical suggestions for those struggling to see muscle gains include managing external stressors, tweaking training volume, giving muscles time to adapt, and trying different training styles.
- A new study highlights the effectiveness of personalized training programs over standardized ones, as they better ensure progress for all participants.
Stronger By Science
Greg Nuckols