A bodybuilder's primary objective is to build size and definition.
But contrary to popular belief, larger muscles are NOT always stronger or more powerful muscles. Not only that, too much bulk will reduce your speed, agility and quickness.
When most non-professional athletes visit the gym or the weight room, what do they do?
They follow a classical program of 3 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 repetitions. They might throw in a few drop sets or super sets for good measure and they stick to traditional exercises like the bench press and dumbbell curls.
Football players (especially linemen) do need bulk and a lot of bodyweight. But they also need high levels of strength and sport-specific power.
Wide receivers, defensive backs and tailbacks need less bulk and more speed and agility. But they still need strength and power.
So is the bodybuilding system the most effective for football players?
On its own - no.
But as a phase in the off-season, lasting perhaps 4-6 weeks, it serves a very important purpose.
Training for maximal strength (which is just as important) takes something a little different than 4 sets of 10 reps. So does converting that strength into explosive power - perhaps the most important physical trait for all players to posses.
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