Research

Mixed

When total training volume is equated, increasing resistance training frequency per muscle group (from 1 to 3+ days/week) does not significantly or meaningfully increase muscle hypertrophy.

If you want to maximize muscle growth, focus on getting your total weekly sets in. How you split those sets across the week (1 day vs. 3 days) does not matter for hypertrophy, provided the total volume is the same. You can train each muscle group once a week or multiple times a week; choose the schedule that allows you to recover well and stick to your program.

StrongRefutesHIGH confidence
In conclusion, there is strong evidence that resistance training frequency does not significantly or meaningfully impact muscle hypertrophy when volume is equated.
Brad J. Schöenfeld et al. · Journal of Sports Sciences · 2018

Why this rating

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 experimental studies with random allocation.

Source

How many times per week should a muscle be trained to maximize muscle hypertrophy? A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining the effects of resistance training frequency

Brad J. Schöenfeld et al. · Journal of Sports Sciences · 2018

Meta-analysis · 25 studiesCited 185×
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