What is the point of low ends and pulses?

Vee · 11-09-11, 10:08 PM

I started on classic resistance training thanks to Cathe and workout videos. I was so impressed with techniques like pulses and tempo variations within a set. They certainly made my muscles burn and produced DOMS like I had never experienced before.

Then I started doing weight training in a gym. I noticed that people who seemed like they knew what they were doing hardly ever used these techniques. Mostly, they exercised in "straight sets", at controlled tempo, working through the entire range of motion of an exercise on each rep. This was a different kind of intensity because they worked muscles from different angles using free weights and exercise machines.

Comparing both, I think I had better results from weight-training in what I will call true gym-room style. I grew stronger and leaned out faster.

Why do many resistance training videos rely so much on pulses and tempo variations? Is there any specific benefit apart from muscle endurance from working out this way?

Lucky Star · 11-09-11, 10:13 PM

Excellent question! I'd love to know the answer as well. We encounter low ends via numerous video instructors and it would be interesting to know what their proven benefits - besides burning pain - really are.

suegy3 · 11-09-11, 10:18 PM

Sorry, I'm not responding to your post but to your location...I never noticed it before but Matt Lauer was in Kuala Lampur today for "Where in the world is Matt Lauer". It looked beautiful!

ilovemygreatdane · 11-09-11, 10:31 PM

I don't know the if there is a reason for it. I just assumed it was to make the moves a little more interesting because it seemed to be in workouts that had tons of the same moves.

Kathryn · 11-09-11, 10:45 PM

I think they are used as a way of increasing intensity as an alternative to using heavier weights and safety equipment in a gym. I agree that straight-forward gym-style technique is more effective (I had the best legs ever when I was doing heavy squats with a squat safety rack at the university weight room when I was a grad student) but it's often not possible in a home environment.

I wonder sometimes if these 'pulses' and 'low ends' might actually put more stress on the knee joints?

caligurl · 11-09-11, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suegy3

Sorry, I'm not responding to your post but to your location...I never noticed it before but Matt Lauer was in Kuala Lampur today for "Where in the world is Matt Lauer". It looked beautiful!

my first thought this morning when they revealed matt's location was of vee!

Lucky Star · 11-09-11, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kathryn

I wonder sometimes if these 'pulses' and 'low ends' might actually put more stress on the knee joints?

They sure feel like they do.

Jane P. · 11-10-11, 12:25 AM

I agree with Kathryn. It's an intensifying technique when using heavier weights is not realistic. However, I have seen Youtube demos where big body building guys do pulsing reps, so they must feel there's some merit to the technique. Low ends certainly burn while you're doing them. One reason why I liked the lower body workout in 4 Day Split was because it wasn't chock full of low ends.

Elise7 · 11-10-11, 12:27 AM

I think it also just adds variety to the routine. Doing squats for 5 minutes can get kind of boring, so I think low ends are thrown in. JMHO

Vee · 11-10-11, 12:59 AM

Kuala Lumpur is indeed a beautiful place. Lush tropical vegetation everywhere except in the heart of downtown which is a relatively pretty and well architected concrete jungle.

Many Hollywood movies have been shot in the Petronas twin tower at the city center, of which my favorite is the climax of "Entrapment"

The fruit and vegetables here are to die for. I discovered fruits and vegetables I had never heard of since moving here. One of the biggest reasons I will find leaving Malaysia difficult is that I will miss the fruit and veggies.

Malaysia is expatriate friendly to attract people to participate in the economic development of the country. With a population of just 28 Million, this country which is rich in natural resources and is an emerging technology and services hub needs more talent. So you get to interact with people of every hue and background imagineable.

KL has very nice gyms. Many great expatriate yoga teachers from India, Europe and Australia have made this city home.

Sue and Cali, Thank you for associating me with Matt Lauer.

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11-09-11, 10:08 PM
Vee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Kuala Lumpur	What is the point of low ends and pulses? I started on classic resistance training thanks to Cathe and workout videos. I was so impressed with techniques like pulses and tempo variations within a set. They certainly made my muscles burn and produced DOMS like I had never experienced before. Then I started doing weight training in a gym. I noticed that people who seemed like they knew what they were doing hardly ever used these techniques. Mostly, they exercised in "straight sets", at controlled tempo, working through the entire range of motion of an exercise on each rep. This was a different kind of intensity because they worked muscles from different angles using free weights and exercise machines. Comparing both, I think I had better results from weight-training in what I will call true gym-room style. I grew stronger and leaned out faster. Why do many resistance training videos rely so much on pulses and tempo variations? Is there any specific benefit apart from muscle endurance from working out this way?

11-09-11, 10:13 PM
Lucky Star VF Supporter Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: A helluva town	Excellent question! I'd love to know the answer as well. We encounter low ends via numerous video instructors and it would be interesting to know what their proven benefits - besides burning pain - really are. __________________ ~ Gina ~ "Remain cheerful, for nothing destructive can pierce through the solid wall of cheerfulness." ~Sri Chinmoy "We are so fortunate that we get to exercise!" ~Erin O'Brien

11-09-11, 10:18 PM
suegy3 Join Date: Feb 2005	Sorry, I'm not responding to your post but to your location...I never noticed it before but Matt Lauer was in Kuala Lampur today for "Where in the world is Matt Lauer". It looked beautiful!

11-09-11, 10:31 PM
ilovemygreatdane Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Chicago, Illinois	I don't know the if there is a reason for it. I just assumed it was to make the moves a little more interesting because it seemed to be in workouts that had tons of the same moves.

11-09-11, 10:45 PM
Kathryn VF Supporter Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Illinois	I think they are used as a way of increasing intensity as an alternative to using heavier weights and safety equipment in a gym. I agree that straight-forward gym-style technique is more effective (I had the best legs ever when I was doing heavy squats with a squat safety rack at the university weight room when I was a grad student) but it's often not possible in a home environment. I wonder sometimes if these 'pulses' and 'low ends' might actually put more stress on the knee joints? __________________ Kathryn ^. .^ > ^ < 2010 season speed-walking 5K PR: 35:47 2011 season race-walking 5K PR: 34:42

11-10-11, 12:25 AM
Jane P. VF Supporter Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Colorado Springs	I agree with Kathryn. It's an intensifying technique when using heavier weights is not realistic. However, I have seen Youtube demos where big body building guys do pulsing reps, so they must feel there's some merit to the technique. Low ends certainly burn while you're doing them. One reason why I liked the lower body workout in 4 Day Split was because it wasn't chock full of low ends. __________________ "The two most powerful warriors are patience and time." Leo Tolstoy

11-10-11, 12:27 AM
Elise7 Join Date: Jan 2011	I think it also just adds variety to the routine. Doing squats for 5 minutes can get kind of boring, so I think low ends are thrown in. JMHO

11-10-11, 12:59 AM
Vee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Kuala Lumpur	Kuala Lumpur is indeed a beautiful place. Lush tropical vegetation everywhere except in the heart of downtown which is a relatively pretty and well architected concrete jungle. Many Hollywood movies have been shot in the Petronas twin tower at the city center, of which my favorite is the climax of "Entrapment" The fruit and vegetables here are to die for. I discovered fruits and vegetables I had never heard of since moving here. One of the biggest reasons I will find leaving Malaysia difficult is that I will miss the fruit and veggies. Malaysia is expatriate friendly to attract people to participate in the economic development of the country. With a population of just 28 Million, this country which is rich in natural resources and is an emerging technology and services hub needs more talent. So you get to interact with people of every hue and background imagineable. KL has very nice gyms. Many great expatriate yoga teachers from India, Europe and Australia have made this city home. Sue and Cali, Thank you for associating me with Matt Lauer.