[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by lewdog

You are lifting weights to get stronger, right?

No, not really.

In fact, now that I think about it, I've never lifted "to get stronger." It's more of a methodology to better aesthetics. (My little brother took the opposite and power lifted and competed in that aspect of lifting for a while, so I understand where the need for continual focus in a specific lift comes in at a functionary level, the need for meticulous cataloging of gains, etc.)

How does mixing up exercises keep muscle memory to a minimum? This is the biggest lifting myth out there and simply means nothing.

Perhaps.

But as you pointed out, the constant levels of lactic acid retention brought about by varying the exercises that the muscles see does provide, perhaps, a psychological benefit to my regime that gives me a sense of satisfaction which leads to greater future exertion in my workouts.

You are there to get stronger

That is a side benefit, but not the main goal.

To get stronger at a lift, you have to get better at that lift. To get better at that lift you have to continually do this lift.

And this is where you and I differ. I don't need nor want to necessarily get stronger in a lift. And I do try to maintain "better" in all my lifts, i.e., strict form and movement, trying to isolate specific muscle groups within the primary muscle area.

I've you've got workout ADD, you'll plateau very quickly with the weight work you do.

Actually, I think it's the constant repetition in a specific exercise that leads to plateauing, at least in my case. I believe that a perpetual change is necessary to maintain focus on the workout in general versus a specific exercise.