Unexpected anabolic benefits of light training the day after heavy lifting (Oct 11, 2022)
One of the greatest strength minds in history, Prof. Arkady Vorobyev, concluded that, “The best conditions for anabolic processes are when small loads with low intensity follow large loads.”
This is a manifestation of postconditioning hormesis. In this biological phenomenon a small dose of a stressor accelerates the recovery from a recent large dose of the same. Alcoholics are experts at postconditioning hormesis; “a hair of the dog” helps them overcome a hangover.
For example, yesterday you had a hard training session, eight sets of five of military presses with a pair of 32kg kettlebells. Today you pick up a single 24kg kettlebell and knock off four sets of five. This ridiculously easy work will do a lot more for your shoulder size and strength than sitting on the couch. Plus, you will be less sore.