ComputerHunter.org

 

The Importance Of Sets In Your Muscle Building Program


In an earlier article we looked at how repetitions contribute to the muscle building process, but is the position regarding sets just as clear cut? Unfortunately, the answer to this is no as some experts feel one set to failure is sufficient, whereas others argue that multiple sets are needed to ensure maximum muscle gains.

Research to date suggests that, when using six to eight repetitions to failure at 75-80% 1RM, there is little significant difference between training with single and multiple sets in terms of increasing either strength or muscle size. Any small differences that have been recorded indicate that a single set completed to failure encourages strength gains but subsequent sets have a slightly greater impact on muscle size. What is clear is that the law of diminishing returns applies, so you have to question if the marginal improvements in size justify the extra time and effort expended.

Like everything else in life, bodybuilding does not remain static and several cutting edge experts have redefined the boundaries of achievement. Increasingly, serious athletes are using methods that extend the set beyond the point of failure. This involves forcing the muscle to perform more work despite having experienced failure in the previous rep. In practice, you perform one last forced repetition with the help of a training partner.

This obviously calls for great commitment and high motivation but the rewards include better mass gains thanks to the greater muscular overload. Such intensive training places additional importance on the need to lift with sound technique and to incorporate sufficient recovery time into your muscle building program.

You can find out more about building muscle by visiting the site listed below.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Advice to learn more about the issues covered in this article.







Google News - Top Stories

Voice of America

Hurricane Gustav Approaches Cuba, Winds Reach 180 KPH
Voice of America - 2 hours ago
By VOA News The US National Weather Service says hurricane Gustav has increased in intensity, with winds reaching 180 kilometers per hour as it crosses the Caribbean towards Cuba.
Gustav, and more Baltimore Sun
Bush Issues Emergency Declaration for Louisiana Washington Post
USA Today - AHN - About - News & Issues - The Associated Press
all 263 news articles


Washington Post

Choice of Palin Is Bold Move by McCain, With Risks
New York Times - 57 minutes ago
By PETER BAKER WASHINGTON - Senator John McCain spent the summer arguing that a 40-something candidate with four years in major office and no significant foreign policy experience was not ready to be president.
Video: McCain's Running Mate Is Historic, Hardly Known AssociatedPress
Gov. Sarah Palin: A Surprise Breath of Fresh Air Boston Globe
Washington Post - The Associated Press - Los Angeles Times
all 5,486 news articles


Times Online

Georgian Crisis 'Decisive Moment' in Russia-West Ties
Voice of America - 47 minutes ago
By Peter Heinlein Georgia is emerging battered but defiant from its recent military confrontation with Russia. Russian troops still control significantly more Georgian territory than they did a month ago and no one can answer the key question: How can ...
Georgia says Russia troops blocking refugee return Reuters UK
Let's First Help Georgia, Then Talk Gazeta Wyborcza
RIA Novosti - Monsters and Critics.com - Georgiandaily - Times Online
all 4,954 news articles


Calgary Herald

Thai Party Calls Urgent Session as Protests Spread (Update3)
Bloomberg - 1 hour ago
By Rattaphol Onsanit and Daniel Ten Kate Aug. 30 (Bloomberg) -- Thai protests calling for Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to resign spread across the country yesterday, prompting the ruling coalition to call an emergency parliamentary session tomorrow.
Thai PM vows to stay on despite mass protests Xinhua
Anti-government protest puts Thailand in crisis available (Roundup) Monsters and Critics.com
BBC News - New York Times - Telegraph.co.uk - The Associated Press
all 2,686 news articles


AFP

Southwest China quake destroys homes, three dead
Reuters - 2 hours ago
SHANGHAI, Aug 30 (Reuters) - An earthquake hit southwest China's Sichuan province on Saturday, destroying homes and killing three people, China's state television reported.
Five killed in China quake: state media AFP
Five killed as earthquake strikes China Hindu
Press Trust of India - The Press Association - CNN - Reuters India
all 188 news articles

Google
 

Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base