The difference between strength training and mass training basically lies in the set/rep/poundage/rest interval protocol. If you are training for strength, you will want to use low reps(1-5)with atleast 80% of your 1rm or greater. The number of sets per exercise is a very individualistic variable. Some people can gain strength with just one or two sets per exercise.Others, like myself, require more sets to incur a neural adaption. When training for strength, I make the most progress with 5-6 sets(usually with the same weight)for each exercise. Rest intervals should be kept fairly high(3-5 minutes between sets) to allow your muscles to completely recover from the previous set.
Mass (hypertrophy) training is usually 6+ reps with less than 80% 1rm. Only a few sets per exercise and short(1-2 min)rest intervals work for most people.
These are just basic guidelines, and like most things dealing with training, some people will respond differently than others.I like to alternate 4-6 weeks of strength training with 4-6 weeks of hypertrophy training.I find this gives me the best progress without going stale.
Training for strength and mass should be different because strength is primarily neural. You train the nervous system for strength optimization with heavy weight/low rep training. You would also want to wait a while between sets (3-5 minutes) as to let ATP replenish to 100%.
Training for hypertrophy requires more than one rep range to stimulate the various ways a muscle can grow. You need low rep (3-7)/heavy weight/explosive contraction training to stimulate myofibrillar growth of the IIB fibers, and high rep (10-20)/medium weight/slow contraction to stimulate sarcoplasmic growth of the IIA's and myofibrillar of the I's.
Another thing is that muscle growth training should involve a greater variety of exercises to recruit more/different motor units and consequently more muscle fibers will be stimulated and with nutritional support - more growth.
I hope this helps. Strength does not equal mass, or at least not in the way you want it to. :( And in no way is the temperature outside relative to being able to do higher echelon volume vs. low.
Well, I'd probably do high volume training in the Artic Circle to stay warm so I see your point.
