Research

Mixed

For recreationally resistance-trained men, performing a split-body resistance training routine with 2 sessions per week per muscle group yields equivalent maximal strength and muscle hypertrophy gains compared to 3 sessions per week, provided total weekly volume is equated.

If you are an experienced lifter, you don't need to train every muscle 3 times a week to maximize gains. You can split your routine over 2 days per muscle group (e.g., 9 sets per muscle per session, twice a week) and get the same strength and muscle growth as training 3 times a week (6 sets per session), as long as you hit the same total weekly volume and train hard.

GoodRefutesHIGH confidence
In conclusion, both G2x and G3x can result in significant increases in muscle strength and size in recreationally trained men.
Felipe Alves Brigatto et al. · International Journal of Strength and Conditioning · 2022

Why this rating

Randomized controlled trial with volume equated, but small sample size (n=20) and short duration (8 weeks).

Source

Does Split-Body Resistance Training Routine Performed Two Versus Three Days Per Week Induce Distinct Strength and Morphological Adaptations in Resistance-Trained Men? A Randomized Longitudinal Study

Felipe Alves Brigatto et al. · International Journal of Strength and Conditioning · 2022

DOI 10.47206/ijsc.v2i1.96

rct · n=20Cited 2×
Read the paper
DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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