Training volume..over 40

My current thoughts are to drop my workout frequency to three days a week from 4.

My reasoning is that as I approach the lower to mid forties (not old)rest is becoming increasingly
important,to keep the gains coming.

1. Quad,Hams,Calves
Rest
2. Chest,Shoulder, Tris
Rest
3. Back, Bi's,Traps
Rest
Rest

Each workout is about 1.25 hours , Heavyweight,
6-8 rep range, basic movements, nothing fancy.
Cardio when needed, however in a effort to gain mass, cardio is minimal until late spring.

Any opinions or advise is appreciated.

Doggy

[Curious George]

I think you should always try and periodize your training. Never stay at the same volume, reps, exercises, intensity, etc.

I am starting to periodize my training in 6 week cycles. The first 6 I train using lower intensity, higher reps. This is so I can get a break from going heavy and play with some diefferent exercises. I usually take this time and bring up any lagging body parts.

Next 6 I usually raise the intensity a bit (70-80% 1rm) and raise the sets a bit (4 usually) and stay in the 12 rep range. This works on hypertrophy and gets a good amount of blood in the muscle. I use this 6 weeks to get my body ready to raise the weights.

Next 6 is my higher weight weeks. I usually use 85-105 of my 1rm and raise the working sets to 5. This is my strength phase and gets me stronger.

Next 6 I use to start etching the striations and work a bit more on isolation work. (pec dec, cables, concentration curls, lunges etc.) I drop the weight, keep reps in the 15 range and lower the sets to about 3 for each exercise.

The next 3 weeks I just sort of putz about in the gym to let my body rest.

I think 3 days a week is cool for anybody as long as you are getting to the gym. This is just my way of keeping my body fresh. I usually train 5 days a week but you could modify my periodization scheme to suit yourself at 3 days. I usually do cardio on leg day and back day to get rid of the lactic acid.

I know this is not what you asked for, but I thought it might help. I just started to periodize and am finding out that I am always fresh and out of the gym in an hour.

Take Good Care,

Cg

CG,
Thanks for the info.
Thats the type of info. i was looking for,
I tend to stay with what worked last month and last year.. so i believe i have become a tad complacent.

I like the approach,

Thankss

Doggy