question about how many sets to do when working out?

Question

when i go to the gym first i do a warm up set, then i keep adding weight and decreasing the reps. i know that to get bigger you need to do more weight and less reps. when im done with this though i do drop sets of lower weight as many as i can. is this good or should i only do less reps and high weight since i wanna get bigger?

Answer 1

you shoudnt be changing weight that much, do 5 sets of a weight u can barely do 8 reps of, do 8 reps in each set, when u cant do 8 move down 5 pounds, THATS how u get big

Answer 2

You don't just want to stick to one set/rep scheme. You pretty much have to change it every week or every workout to keep your body from adapting. If you workout 3x a week. Do something like this:

Mon: 3 sets x 8 reps
Wed: 4 x 6
Fri: 6 x 4


Or do one week of 3 x 8, next week 4 x 6, then 6 x 4, then 5 x 5, you get the idea. Also make sure that you're constantly progressing with the weight load and challenge yourself. You don't necessarily have to go to failure in each set, but you should come close to it.

As always, nutrition is the key, to get bigger you must up the calorie, protien and carb intakes. Good luck.

Answer 3

I agree with EJ...

Also doing the drop sets that you are doing can lead to over training, since you are really taxing your body. For strength, it has been recommended that one do low reps (3 - 5) but with heavy weight. For growth, usually they recommend medium amount of reps (8 - 12 ) with medium amount of weight. For muscle endurance, shoot for the higher range.

Sometimes I do the rep scheme you described -- start with medium reps and go heavier.

Ultimately, it depends upon what your goals are. You should invest in a copy or two of Muscle and Fitness magazine. They go over rep schemes, exercises and different weighs to enhance your workout.