High Intensity/High Sets/Low Reps to Increase Muscle Mass

[MATT2388]

My general workouts consists 8-10 sets, of 5-8 reps, just short of failure in the last 4-5 sets, with 60-120 seconds rest between sets.

I have tried to higher reps but due to me using a Accutane a year ago, my joints are seriously messed up when i have to do the same movement over and over again, even running can be painful in the ankles when running longer then a minute.

As soon as i reach 10 reps my joints just seriously ache and are painful, even though i have not stressed the muscle.

I find short bursts i can really hit the muscle hard, without any pain in the joints, i have tried to mix this up by lowering the weights in a very slow controlled manner (5 seconds) to get the intensity there, but i dont appear to be gaining much muscle mass, which is my main goal.

My diet is in check, 20% Carbs (oatmeal, veggies, fruit), 60% Protein (chicken) 20% Fats (fish oil, peanut butter) Im taking in 3200 calories a day and weight is increasing, which seems to me be fat.

Anyone have any advice for me?

[NavyIron04]

First, sorry about the accutane. I used it when I was a teenager on the "maximum" recommended dose. A couple of the yellow pills a day. Sucked. Dried me out though.

In any event, if you're positive you're gaining fat then cut back on the calories. Since you pay attention to your diet I assume you know where to take the calories from and when so I'm not even going to speculate. As far as not gaining muscle mass - have you tried swapping around exercises? I understand joint pain limiting your ability to do high reps. You may want to look into some cartilage/joint help supplements if you haven't already and talk to a doctor.
I follow a lower rep/medium set/high weight training regimen and gain muscle mass just fine, but my primary goal is strength so I don't really pack on poundage like I've seen others do. It may be a drawback of the routine for those looking at adding mass.

[joandsilva]

does not these extra steroids cause an issue to the body... im lactose intolerant?