Increasing the number of sets

[gymrat]

all of last summer I dd 4 total working sets, for each body part. Using this low set high intensity workout, gave me the best lifts i had ever had. Over the Winter, i did 6-7 working sets.

Now that I'm bulking again i am think of really turing things around for awhile, and do 18 working sets. I wont do this for a long time, but maybe 8 weeks or so.

Just looking for some feed back.

 

[louden_swain]

All of those working sets are not necessary. I would be interested in providing an example of your proposed routine.

 

[bigstve12]

That sounds like a lot of sets...Maybe it would be a could shock routine though...I wouldnt stick with it for 8weeks, increases chances of overtraining. maybe 4 weeks would be better

 

[gonelifting]

When I go heavy for like 3 sets of 5... and do that week after week and the weight starts getting too heavy. Instead of adding weight the next workout (if I barely did 5 reps) I would just add more sets with the same weight. so I would end up doing 4-5 or more sets. until I get all the reps with that weight.

wtf did`nt finish my post and it posted. anyway I sometimes vary my sets but not as drastic as you`re planning. but I think it`s a good idea. good luck

 

[Debaser]

I'd be surprised if you gained more than a pound.

 

[louden_swain]

I'd be surprised if you gained more than a pound.

Me too.

The problem is that many folks think that increased sets means increased growth. . .you and I both know thats not the case.

 

[c3bodybuilding]

Looks like it's time for you to look into DC, HST, Heavy Duty, the post by Realgains on the womens board (sticky) etc. 18 sets is just killer. You mention you've made good progress with high intensity, why stop now? You grow outside the gym. Stimulate growth, and then get out of the gym. Also eat, eat, eat.

 

[louden_swain]

Looks like it's time for you to look into DC, HST, Heavy Duty, the post by Realgains on the womens board (sticky) etc. 18 sets is just killer. You mention you've made good progress with high intensity, why stop now? You grow outside the gym. Stimulate growth, and then get out of the gym. Also eat, eat, eat.

Our point is that you dont need so many sets to breakdown muscle tissue.

 

[c3bodybuilding]

Louden, I understand that point, and the point you were trying to make, I just don't think he does! LOL. If I did 18 sets, I would be in the hospital, well probably not that far, but I do know I wouldn't be growing.


I am a very firm believer that 1 set is more than enough. I've looked over log books, and found I've always training in such a manner. I would always count warms up as working sets, I didn't know people didn't count those LOL. So, when I thought I was doing 4 sets of squats for example, I was really only doing one working set, the others were just light warm ups. I've grown just fine. No need for 12 sets this, or 18 sets that.

I once tried a true volume workout. I did 12 sets a body part, and I was sore alright, but a 'sick' sore. I felt like I had body aches, almost like a flu. I just felt lousy. When I do a DC workout, or when I did Heavy Duty, I always feel/felt good. Always sore, but a good sore. Like I had some hard work, productive work.

I guess try the 18 sets. I just don't think you will like what you get out of it, which will probably be nothing.

 

[louden_swain]

The problem with using high sets is, that the body will become vulnerable to injury. As time progresses, the joints will wear down and begin to ache. Progress will become stagnant because essentially you are doing nothing but pumping up the muscle and causing extensive muscle breakdown.