Strength Training - consecutive sets or circuits?

kyle4jem

I've been putting off doing strength training for way too long - the lure of the pool is just too strong - but today I went back up to the gym to do my strength programme. I know it needs tweaking, but I need to start somewhere and so at the moment I'm doing a programme that is a combo of free-weights and various strength machines.

My question is this:

Is it better to do consecutive sets of one exercise, e.g. three sets of chest press, three sets of shoulder press, three sets of leg extensions etc, or work through my exercises in a circuit and then repeat that circuit three times?

Or doesn't it make a blind bit of difference.

Just be interested in what folks think and why.

Many thanks :happy:

wellbert

This is the starting strength routine:
3x5 barbell squat
3x5 standing shoulder press
3x5 (bent over row subbed by many) / power clean

3x5 barbell squat
3x5 bench press
1x5 deadlift

consultwithyourdoctorbeforebeginninganynewexerciseactivity

rmhand

I do circuit style per my program of choice on bodybuilding.com. Pretty annoying to try to get it all done with little rest between exercises in a busy gym.

stephanie1133

I think it's a personal preference. I like to do it circuit style to keep my heart rate up, and it also gets it done quicker. I'm not a fan of sitting around waiting while I'm in the gym, I like to get it done and get out. Everyone has their own thing, and that's just fine! But yikes I get annoyed when someone hogs a machine for 8 sets and does 2 reps rests 4 minutes in between and then gets all annoyed when you ask to work in. BOO! Ha! Went on a tangent there, sorry about that.

JNick77

This is the starting strength routine:
3x5 barbell squat
3x5 standing shoulder press
3x5 (bent over row subbed by many) / power clean

3x5 barbell squat
3x5 bench press
1x5 deadlift

consultwithyourdoctorbeforebeginninganynewexerciseactivity

That's really a good start for you right there.

Once you get more advanced you can look into circuits, complexes, wave loading, etc.

Katie3784

I do a set of each exercise without breaking between sets. Then I rest for 2 minutes and repeat two times. It gets my HR up and saves a lot of time.

Shock_Wave

Its personal preference. I mix em up my self.

hiker282

Alternating sets....do a set of one exercise, do another, do your required number of sets and then do another alternating set of two more exercises.

mustgetmuscles1

I like doing a circuit but only when there is no one else around. There is nothing worse than one person hogging three or four stations. Since I use mostly free weights I would have to either leave my plates on the bars or remove and replace so others could use the equipment. Mostly I do my three or four sets and then move to the next exercise.

Probably much easier to do circuits with machines where the weight can be changed quickly.

kyle4jem

I like doing a circuit but only when there is no one else around. There is nothing worse than one person hogging three or four stations. Since I use mostly free weights I would have to either leave my plates on the bars or remove and replace so others could use the equipment. Mostly I do my three or four sets and then move to the next exercise.

Probably much easier to do circuits with machines where the weight can be changed quickly.

Thanks mustgetmuscles1. Luckily when I go in the morning there's not that many folk in the gym and most of them are doing cardio. The machines are not really being used, so I could certainly use them in a circuit. BTW... I would kill for a killer physique like yours - your before and after pictures are very impressive! :happy:

kyle4jem

This is the starting strength routine:
3x5 barbell squat
3x5 standing shoulder press
3x5 (bent over row subbed by many) / power clean

3x5 barbell squat
3x5 bench press
1x5 deadlift

consultwithyourdoctorbeforebeginninganynewexerciseactivity

Thanks wellbert... bent over row subbed by many...now can I have that in English please :laugh:

I'm guessing these are all free-weight exercises? Squats are killers and I'm still hobbling since Tuesday. I know it'll get better and easier the more I use the muscles :happy:

BTW... I'd love to have Jason Statham's body too... but methinks my husband might get upset and tell me to put it back where I found it :laugh:

kyle4jem

Thanks to everyone that took time to respond. I think I might mix things up and maybe try some new exercises too. Just gotta find something (or someone) to keep me motivated and push me harder... which isn't that easy as lifting's not something I like to do on my own.