Dropsets

ccnagain
ccnagain Posts: 50 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I apologize if this is dumb but I just don't get it and I imagine that is probably because I am making it more difficult to figure out then it actually is. I just started doing weights today and for tomorrow it says: "Perform each set as a dropset. For example, do eight reps for the 1st set of goblet squats with your estimated 8-rep max. Then, drop the weight about 20–30% and do 8 more reps. Repeat one more time. Do this two times with 2-3 minutes of rest."

So does this mean that really each set is 24 total -do 8 and drop weight, 8 more and drop weight, 8 more and then that is one complete set? I'm so confused and I'm afraid if I ask anyone I know they'll laugh at me for being dumb or laugh at me for attempting to start lifting weights (I know surrounded by sucky people). :(
And since I'm asking, do I really need to wait 2-3 minutes before doing the next set/exercise? That just seems like a REALLY long time.

I really appreciate nice and helpful replies :|

Replies

  • Mountainbum777
    Mountainbum777 Posts: 76 Member
    edited February 2016
    Drop sets are done without rest in between your sets. Example would be incline dumb bell press, start with 100lb x 8 reps, when done immediately pick up the 75lb. Dumb bells and do 8 reps, then lastly 50lb dumb bells and do 8 reps. They are telling you to do that twice, with 2-3 minutes rest in between each set of drop sets.

    How you are going to drop set goblet squats Im not sure.....can you post your program, something seems a bit off. Drop setting is a pretty advanced and specific lifting technique.
  • ccnagain
    ccnagain Posts: 50 Member
    It's a beginner program I found on M&F Hers. - http://www.muscleandfitness.com/muscle-fitness-hers/hers-workouts/hers-2016-starters-guide-workout-program?day=2
  • SonyaCele
    SonyaCele Posts: 2,841 Member
    the idea with drop sets is to do them after you are fatigued and can't lift that weight # anymore, so you lower the weight so you can keep ripping up muscles. However, you are saying you start your first set with your 8 rep max? you really should warm up to that 8 rep max, so you are warmed and built up slowly to a set that you can barely get that 8th rep or maybe even fail. And you will be so fatigued you can't possibly do another set at that weight. You rest and then you drop down to the next weight that you can lift , do that set,and barely get that last 8th rep. and then rest. and so on. anyhow this is how i do my drop sets. Or , another way i do a drop set is to just pick a lower weight and do 100 reps until i can't move and then i cry all the way home.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    1. No reason to feel silly as your assumption on how drop sets work is correct.
    2. Take the full rest as your muscles will need time to recover from the intensity of drop sets.
    3. Beginner program + drop sets. Does not compute.
  • ccnagain
    ccnagain Posts: 50 Member
    So it seems that dropsets are not something I should attempt to conquer at this starting phase of my journey. I will just do regular sets I think for now and work my way up to something like that later on.
    I really really appreciate the feedback and it makes me happy to know that there are helpful people out here. :)
    THANKS!!!

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