There is an inverse relationship between volume and intensity. Intensity, in programming, means the percentage of your maximum strength. Volume is the total amount of weight you use during a workout, a week, a month, a program, etc. If I were to bench 350 pounds, that would be pretty damn close to my current maximum. However, I might get only two cracks at it—for a volume of 700 pounds. But why would I only be able to get two to three chances with it? Because lifting with maximal intensity is more central nervous system intensive. In fact, thanks to Louie, we know that lifting at or above 90% of your one-rep maximum strength for more than three weeks at a time (with the same exercise) will actually max-out your central nervous system, and it will start to regress.