Topic: Body Building Assistance Exercises

[Andy Dick]

I think it has its place but it depends on the person doing them.  I have always had a strong core and abs and can easily do an ab routine with plates on any given day.  Could I probably do more?  I think I could but I also think we get a lot of abdominal work just doing the lifts, and if time is an essence I would rather work something I am weak at like my upper body strength or flexibility which will do a great deal for recovery and ability to do the lifts, as Matt said periodization.  I think I just need to pay attention to filling more assistance exercises in when I at a decreased intensity following a competition.  Then phase them way back as the intensity increases again.

[michael cooley]

All 3x3 for sets and reps
I will probably not approach 12 reps ever since the last time I tried that it really messed up my lifting (sore, tight, and tired) so I wont do it again.

Candidly, what you're doing (3x3) is inconsistent with your stated goal of working in these "bodybuilding" exercises for injury prevention, etc.  Instead, it sounds like you're approaching them as a whole 'nother strength routine at the end of your primary workout. 

Increase the reps to 8-10, lower both the weight and the rest periods (think more in terms of "3 sets of 8, 60 seconds rest between sets").  3 sets of presses and 3 sets of rows (or 3 bench, 3 pullup) will take you all of about 10 minutes.

It'll have the added benefit of getting you out of the gym quicker. 

mpc

[Andy Dick]

I didn't want to confuse anyone, I am not looking to body build or put on hypertrophy.  If I gain any gains I would it rather be strength.  I just referred to them as bodybuilding to try to create less confusion because I didn't want to call them assistance exercise (because then that would lead others to think, snatch balance, overhead squat, push press etc.). 

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

Usually, we would call such work supplementary rather than bodybuilding. :)