A Look At Multiple Sets

For decades, multiple set variations have paved the way for muscle and might as some of the greats like Vern Weaver and John Grimek used set variations such as 6×6 (six sets of six reps), 3×10, 5×5 and the ever-lovin’ 10-8-6-4-2 approach.  And let’s not forget the great debate that has been argued ad nauseum since the 70′s where research (hmm) argues that  ”one set is as good as three sets”.  Remember, in strength training, the key component is to overload the musculature so how you get there is entirely up to you.

Personally, I could not care any less as to how someone trains themselves (but I do care very much how someone trains others) and if someone chooses the path of multiple sets then “go get ‘em”.  When I train my clients I use a variety of exercises, modalities, sets, reps, intensity, etc. – all based around the needs of the client for that day so I’m not stuck on one way versus another.  Now, back to the multiple set premise.  A person can perform multiple sets in great variation as I’ve already pointed but I like to take a different route if you will as I personally have little patience standing around waiting 2-3 minutes to do my next set of the same exercise.  Two variations I use are as follows:

One is the standard circuit-type training.  I will pick a handful of exercises and have a person go through each exercise – either in an all-out performance of stop a certain repetition range – depending on what they need for the day and then proceed through that circuit multiple times.

The second approach is a personal favorite of mine where I pick several different exercises for the same body part.

I will continue with this approach in my Look At Multiple Sets Part II