Q: How do you adjust the sets for a workout if you're...

angiered

hitting muscle failure before the sets are done.

I started the Turbulence Training program today. It's basically all super-sets (body weight resistance) and then interval training.

The problem is, I'm hitting full muscle failure before I can complete the sets. Should I shorten the sets, or just carry on until I cant?

i.e. Pushups...3 sets of 8. I can do 8 the first time, but the second time I could only do 6, and the third time I could do 6 with a rest half way.

Another excersize I was only able to complete 2 of the 3 sets. Should I have come back later to pick up the third set (which would not have been part of a superset at that point) or do I just leave it?

sparkles321

I would just leave it out. Keep working at it, you'll keep getting stronger as you continue to push yourself as much as you can. You'll get through that 3rd set after you've built up your strength.

Azdak

If you are reaching "failure", you are reaching failure. That's the point. The fact that is does not happen on the rep count in the "program" is of secondary importance. To be honest, if you could do 3 sets of 8, I would almost say the resistance was a little too easy.

The challenges w/body weight training, esp for someone starting out, is that often people do not have the basic strength to lift their body weight and also it is more difficult to increase or decrease in small increments.

One thing you might try as a variation is to modify the pushups so that you can perform more reps--e.g. knees on ground or on an incline. That can also help you work smoothly through a full range of motion and provide a better "base" when you challenge yourself w/ the heavier resistance.

angiered

Thanks! That's exactly what I needed to know.