What is this question asking about different exercise strategies opinion-based?

Question

I asked a question on exercise strategies (see question below). Specifically, I presented three strategies to exercise. The question got closed on the grounds that it is opinion-based. In the comment, one close voter indicates that he cast the close vote because all strategies are pretty much equivalent. Shouldn't the question be left open with an answer simply saying all strategies are pretty much the same (regardless of anyone's opinion)?

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Arm exercises: when to alternate arms?

I need to do three arm exercises A, B, and C. For each exercise, I perform 2 series of 10 repetitions. I can only work with one arm at a time. Which of the following sequence is preferable to maximize muscle gain and minimize the risk of injury?

• Do all exercises A, B, and C with left arm. Then, do all exercises A, B, and C with the right arm.
• Alternate arm between each exercise, i.e.: Do the two series of exercise A with the left arm. Then, do two series of exercise A with the right arm. Do the same for exercises B and C.
• Alternate arm between each series, i.e.: Do the first series of exercise A with the left arm. Then, do the first series of exercise A with the right arm. Then, do the second series of exercise A with the left arm. Then, do second first series of exercise A with the right arm. Do the same for exercises B and C.

Answer 1

Primarily Opinion Based answers are answers that lack evidence to prove or disprove their validity. In your example, “saying all strategies are pretty much the same “ (which I did not say, or, imply - your assumption) is the equivalent of offering an opinion because, it too, lacks evidence. That's not to say that future research may definitively answer your question. It simply means that any reply you get will be based on the opinion of the person supplying the answer. What worked for them, may not work for you.

In addition, the context of your original question lacked an understanding of how muscle growth is achieved. As I stated in my comment, there are many factors that affect the ability to achieve muscle growth. The suggestion that performing a specific exercise sequence without proper nutrition, rest, etc. can lead to muscular growth is incorrect. And, in fact, in the sole response you received, JJosaur later indicated he knew he was providing an opinion based response.

In the end, it's entirely up to you to accept an opinion based response. However, I would caution you against that for the simple reason that the answer is typically a guess, or, based on anecdotal evidence that may or may not be valid.

Answer 2

Reopened question as I've added sources per request -- not sure how else to open this other than adding a new reply.

Answer 3

There is an answer here for sure.

LIFT #1

• Let’s say you're doing 10 reps with just your (R) arm then 10 with your (L).

This results in 2 things:

1. A unilateral force causing destabilization (essentially causing you to laterally flex away from the arm that's lifting). The more unstable the less you’re able to lift. When alternating arms the destabilizing force would be reduced due to the counter weight of the dumbbell you're holding in your other hand
2. Assuming your using the proper weight to attain hypertrophy. Volume load (VL) would be lower lifting all sets on one side right or left it doesn’t matter as you'd since you'd fatigue faster.

Unilateral Reps << Alternating Reps

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The application of Physiological (glycogen depletion) and Biomechanical principles (stabilities relation to force) explain this:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5388079/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/11537690-000000000-00000
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15320684