How many sets should we do?

High set or low set?  Which is it!

The debate has raged for years, which option is the best?  High set or low set?

Some people favour one or the other, but whatever your preference here are some cool solid facts for high sets.

  • You need to do at least 5 sets to have the right volume of training to fully stimulate all your muscle fibres. More than 5 sets and your risk over-training.
  • 5 sets per exercise which is a total of 15 sets per body part. Gives you the right amount of exercises to work all the areas of a body part. Upper and lower back, outside sweep of the lats
  • The maximum amount of weight you can handle for all five sets stimulates the muscles and makes them grow.
  • Five sets also turn your workout into a fat burning workout and a muscle building workout all in one. Giving you the fitness edge to get you into great shape.
  • Five sets give your body a fitness conditioning experience that low set workouts can’t match.
  • The best bodybuilder in the world Arnold Schwarzenegger as well as (in my opinion) the greatest most aesthetic bodybuilders from the early years of bodybuilding all followed 5 sets per exercise. They were also the bodybuilders with the best symmetry and most amazing strength to ever grace the bodybuilding scene.
  • From study results those who followed 5 sets per exercise gained more strength, endurance, and muscle than other groups which did 1-3 sets.
  • Hypertrophy occurs when there is progressive overload of your muscles over time. Five sets give you the edge that is just the right volume to exert your muscles and push you to progress to overload your workout.
  • The reality check- When considering 5 sets per exercise you need to also be aware of this fact: Diet is the key- You still need to make sure that your diet is on track, and you are getting the optimal nutrients and enough protein to be able to cope with training 5 sets per exercise.
  • Any workout you do could easily become an overtraining issue if you do not get serious with your diet. And make sure that it complements your workouts.

 

Advice: Even though This article advises 5 sets per exercise, always make sure you get the advice of a trained doctor before starting exercise & if you choose to do 5 sets use your own planning to build up to 5 sets over a period of time if necessary.

My Recommended fitness book readEncyclopaedia of modern bodybuilding: Arnold Schwarzenegger.