sets and reps question

jeepinshawn
jeepinshawn Posts: 642 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I just started this work out regime- https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/dumbbell-only-home-or-gym-fullbody-workout.html
In the workout guide it says to do 3 sets of 6-12 reps, I didn't notice that it said 3 sets, and I have been doing 2 sets between 8-12 reps. This is my first week on it so I have had to experiment on the weight some. On most of the exercises I didn't go to failure, I stopped when I thought I would fail if I did it again. I couldn't do 3 sets on the weight I was using. So my question is should I keep going with two sets at the higher weight, or lower the weight and do 3 sets?

Replies

  • cgvet37
    cgvet37 Posts: 1,189 Member
    I would follow the program. Don't stop when you get to muscle failure. Those last 3-4 reps are the most beneficial to strength and muscle growth. It may burn, but fight through it.
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    If this is your first foray into lifting, I'd say stick with 2 sets and make it a goal to work up to another set. 8-12 reps is inside the 6-12 rep range so that is fine.

    Stopping before failing a rep is fine. Some people like going to failure. I prefer stopping just short of it just as you've been doing.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    cgvet37 wrote: »
    I would follow the program. Don't stop when you get to muscle failure. Those last 3-4 reps are the most beneficial to strength and muscle growth. It may burn, but fight through it.

    How does one not stop once they've reached muscle failure?

  • Willbenchforcupcakes
    Willbenchforcupcakes Posts: 4,955 Member
    jemhh wrote: »
    If this is your first foray into lifting, I'd say stick with 2 sets and make it a goal to work up to another set. 8-12 reps is inside the 6-12 rep range so that is fine.

    Stopping before failing a rep is fine. Some people like going to failure. I prefer stopping just short of it just as you've been doing.

    Awesome advice.
    DavPul wrote: »
    cgvet37 wrote: »
    I would follow the program. Don't stop when you get to muscle failure. Those last 3-4 reps are the most beneficial to strength and muscle growth. It may burn, but fight through it.

    How does one not stop once they've reached muscle failure?

    Assisted reps perhaps?
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    Gawd, why do programs prescribe 3 sets for every exercise, regardless of the size of the muscle group or its functionality.
    Anyway, 2 sets is perfect the first week if you haven't lifted recently. Try for 3 next week. :+1:
  • cgvet37
    cgvet37 Posts: 1,189 Member
    DavPul wrote: »
    cgvet37 wrote: »
    I would follow the program. Don't stop when you get to muscle failure. Those last 3-4 reps are the most beneficial to strength and muscle growth. It may burn, but fight through it.

    How does one not stop once they've reached muscle failure?

    He said he stops before he thinks he's going to fail. Even if I can't do a full rep, I will try to reach my rep count. I think failure is often misunderstood.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    How frequently one should lift until they reach muscle failure is often misunderstood
  • dlm7507
    dlm7507 Posts: 237 Member
    While body builders often go to failure (is your goal big muscles) but strength athletes rarely do. At the world champion/Olympic level they only do it for competition. Here is an eye opener. Easy Strength
  • cgvet37
    cgvet37 Posts: 1,189 Member
    DavPul wrote: »
    How frequently one should lift until they reach muscle failure is often misunderstood

    I agree that one should not always work to failure, but should not be afraid of it either.

Categories