Understanding how to train for strength is a very important part of weightlifting. Strength training is a lot like hypertrophy training, but there are a few main differences. The first and most obvious difference in strength training is that you are lifting heavier weights and also doing fewer reps. In hypertrophy training one of the main goals in lifting is volume, which is lots of reps and sets, but strength training is the opposite. To increase your strength you should be doing reps of 1-5 with 3 sets. The main reason for this is because the part of your body that is most responsible for its strength is the central nervous system and you are not trying to overwork it with lots of volumes. The reason strength training is so important is that it teaches your central nervous system how to use all your muscles the most efficient way. The central nervous system needs lots of time in between sets to replenish itself, which bring us to our second difference. In strength training, you should rest for at least 3 minutes, unlike waiting only a minute to two minutes in between sets for hypertrophy training. Many beginners make the mistake of treating their strength training like hypertrophy training by putting on lots of weight and doing lots of sets and exercises. It is important to remember not to do lots of volume because your not training your muscles, your training your central nervous system.
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