Bodybuilding

How Many Sets For Each Exercise?

Published

12 years ago

November 8, 2012

F Kyle

If you have ever trained in a gym or at home, you probably not once have asked how many sets for each exercise are right to do to achieve excellent muscle growth. You are right about asking it, as this detail is significant. You will see further in this article that using a different number of sets can increase strength, size, or muscle endurance.

Why do you have to know about the correct number of sets? Because there are many people who do not pay attention to it and then wonder why they do not get any results despite working hard in the gym. So, 68KXKVY49NMP be wise and get informed about the number of sets you must do.

It may seem that performing such exercises as pull-ups, or lifting them as many times as you can until you get exhausted, can put enough stress and strain on your muscles. After that, you get enough rest time, and the muscles begin to rapidly grow and become more robust and the next training again does the same thing, your results are growing all the time, and the muscles are getting stronger.

But the practice has shown that it is not as simple as it may appear a first glance. as the practice is not so simple. It was proved that most of the people could work at 100% of their physical capabilities during one set.

Moreover, such an approach may cause unwanted injuries that keep you out of the gym for a long time. And this is not what you want. Also, there have been made by some researchers have shown that the more extended period athlete train, the more anabolic hormones their bodies produce.

Hence, increased production of hormones such as growth hormone and testosterone, in turn, stimulates the rapid growth of muscle mass and strength after power loads and even has a positive effect on the muscles and your whole body.

Also, by training for an extended period, you will be able to burn more calories and lose weight quickly. You must know that if you build muscle, you must first get rid of fat. Why? Because muscle tissues will be covered by fat, and will not be seen.

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Doing more sets for each exercise is an excellent option if you want to increase your endurance. Short exercises with big weights are not effective in this case. It’s advisable to make your exercise program as long as possible using light weights with many sets.

The number of sets is directly influenced by the goal of the exercise, the goal of the workout, and your physical condition. Further, we will discuss some basic recommendations about how many sets to perform, considering different situations.

Firstly, if you are a starter in the gym, then during the first 4-6 weeks is recommended to perform no more than 2-3 sets for each exercise. The main explanation is that your body has not yet achieved the required muscle endurance to increase the load above these limits. Have to be mentioned that the same rule is available after recovery from illness or a long break in training.

Bench press, deadlift, and squat with a barbell included in basic exercises require more sets than isolation exercises. In the case of basic exercises have to be done several four or five sets, while in the case of isolation exercises, three sets are enough.

Must Read: Compound and Isolation Exercises

Weight training with few reps and heavy weights requires a more significant number of sets. A powerlifting workout includes seven up to ten sets of basic exercises. This is necessary not only forgiven the muscles to require tonnage but also to improve the technique of performing an exercise.

The number of sets is directly influenced by the number of reps for each exercise. The maximum number of reps and sets allowed is 50. Hence, if you do 10 reps, there will be only five sets. The number of sets depends on the number of exercises for each muscle group.

For example, if your exercise program has 3 different exercises for the muscles of the back, the number of approaches in each of these must be calculated so that the total number of reps for all exercises to be no more than 120 times. An exception to this rule can be aerobic exercise and training.

Must Read: How to Set up Your Own Bodybuilding Training Program

One of the most famous bodybuilders, Arnold Schwarzenegger, gave great advice regarding this issue. He advises doing five sets of each exercise. He has enumerated why choosing five sets can be useful for muscle growth. The most important is that five approaches provide an ideal load for all muscle fibers.

In case of more sets, you risk overtraining; muscles remain unworked in the case of fewer sets. Another argument is that this number of sets can help you quickly set up a three-day split workout. Thus, all your muscles get a load ac and fully recover from a workout.

Must Read: How to Deal with Overtraining

Have to be mentioned that this technique can’t be applied in the case of strength training. The reason is that the load used here is much higher, and the intensity will be higher too. Contrary to Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mike Mentzer says that everyone, regardless of experience, must do a well-executed approach to any given exercise.

He says that if a person decides to do more sets, this represents too much load. Hence, it will damage your muscles and make you recover longer than you want. Increasing recovery time. To find out the correct answer to this question has been done the research. The study group comprised 42 adults, mean age of 39 years, with experience in training for about 5 years.

They all have trained for a year on the same program, consisting of 9 exercises, one for each approach. Since the goal of the research was to find out how many sets have to be done, some of the participants increased the number of sets to three. All the exercises were designed to work to capacity.

After four months, the results showed that, regardless of how many sets they performed, both groups had similar changes in muscle tone and body composition. However, a closer study of the results shows that the group of men that performed more sets reached more than those who continued to do one set for each exercise.

If we compare the results by some important parameters, then here is what we have.

The composition of the body. A group of men who performed three sets for each exercise observed a significant increase in chest and arms muscles. Also, they lost more fat than the group that did only one set.
Muscle endurance. The group who performed only one set observed an increase in quadriceps endurance of 48.2%, while the group with three sets with 58.4%.
The group of men who did three sets could do a more significant number of bench presses than the second group.

Despite the difference is not too big, it shows that a more significant number of sets leads to more release of anabolic hormones such as testosterone and growth hormone. This explains some differences in the results during the above study.

For example, the loss of fat in the group with a large number of sets is due not only to the increase in the number of calories burned but the release of anabolic hormones. As we said above, growth hormones and testosterone positively affect body composition.

As you see, many opinions exist about the correct number of sets for getting big muscles. Even the most famous bodybuilders have different recommendations for it. Arnold Schwarzenegger advised doing five sets for each exercise, while Mike Mentzer just one very well executed sets for each exercise. The fact is that there is an apparent difference between doing a few and several sets, and the research confirms it.

It’s up to you to make the right decision, but before this, you have to pay attention to some basic rules regarding the number of sets. It is about following the rule of the new starter in the gym and doing no more than 2-3 sets for each exercise. This will keep you away from any injury. Also, make a difference between a weight-lifting exercise program and a usual workout. Basic exercises require more sets than isolated ones and many others.

Nevertheless, the most crucial advice is only one, get more engaged in doing exercises and not be afraid to experiment. Learn to listen to your body, read the advice of famous athletes and coaches and try different options. Eventually, after trying more combinations of sets and reps, stick to one that seems to give you great results.

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F Kyle

The "GYMRAT" of this blog, Pro-blogger and Fitness Instructor since 2008

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Bodybuilding

2nd Edition of Natural Bodybuilding Competition Facts

Published

3 months ago

September 5, 2024

Zizou

Natural bodybuilding competitions are designed to promote and celebrate athletes who build their physiques without the use of performance-enhancing drugs. These events emphasize fair play, health, and the natural development of muscle mass and definition.

The second edition of natural bodybuilding competitions has gained momentum globally, particularly focusing on drug-free athletes. These competitions are hosted by various organizations like the INBA/PNBA (International Natural Bodybuilding Association/Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association) and OCB (Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders).

In 2024, several notable events have been planned, including the INBA Natural Universe and INBA World Cup, both of which emphasize natural bodybuilding through rigorous drug testing policies. These events aim to showcase competitors who adhere to strict drug-free protocols, and winners often earn pro cards allowing them to compete in higher-level professional competitions.

These competitions focus on categories like men's bodybuilding, classic physique, and women's figure and bikini, among others. Athletes undergo polygraph and urine tests to ensure compliance with natural bodybuilding standards. The winners often receive medals, trophies, or pro status

Drug Testing

Participants undergo rigorous drug testing to ensure they are not using banned substances. This can include urine tests, polygraph tests, and other methods to maintain the integrity of the competition.

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Judging Criteria

Athletes are judged based on several factors, including:

Muscle Mass: The size and volume of muscles.
Symmetry: The balance and proportion of the physique.
Conditioning: The level of muscle definition and leanness.
Presentation: Posing routines and overall stage presence.

Preparation

Competitors often spend months preparing for these events, focusing on strict diet plans, intense workout regimens, and posing practice. The goal is to achieve peak physical condition on the day of the competition.

Community and Support

Natural bodybuilding competitions foster a sense of community among athletes who share a commitment to health and fitness. Many competitors form lasting friendships and support networks through these events.

Starting training for a natural bodybuilding competition is an exciting journey! Here are some key steps to help you get started:

1. Set Clear Goals

Define what you want to achieve. Are you aiming to compete in a specific category like Men’s Physique or Women’s Figure? Setting clear goals will guide your training and nutrition plans.

2. Create a Training Plan

Focus on a well-rounded training program that includes:

Compound Movements: Exercises like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and pull-ups are essential for building overall muscle mass.
Isolation Exercises: Target specific muscles to enhance definition and symmetry.
Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the weight or reps to continuously challenge your muscles.

3. Follow a Structured Diet

Nutrition is crucial for muscle growth and fat loss:

Caloric Intake: Calculate your daily caloric needs based on your goals (bulking or cutting).
Macronutrients: Balance your intake of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Aim for high protein to support muscle repair and growth.
Micronutrients: Ensure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

4. Incorporate Cardio

Cardio helps with fat loss and improves cardiovascular health. Include both steady-state and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions in your routine.

5. Practice Posing

Posing is a critical aspect of bodybuilding competitions. Practice regularly to perfect your form and presentation on stage.

6. Rest and Recovery

Allow your body to recover with adequate sleep and rest days. Overtraining can lead to injuries and hinder progress.

7. Stay Consistent and Patient

Building a competition-ready physique takes time and dedication. Stay consistent with your training and diet, and be patient with your progress.

8. Seek Professional Guidance

Consider working with a coach or trainer who specializes in natural bodybuilding. They can provide personalized advice and help you stay on track.

9. Join a Community

Engage with other natural bodybuilders for support and motivation. Online forums, social media groups, and local gyms can be great places to connect.

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Qualifications

The qualifications for natural bodybuilding competitions vary slightly between organizations but generally follow these principles:

Drug-Free Status: Athletes must demonstrate they have been drug-free for a specific period, typically between 5 to 10 years. They are required to pass a drug test, usually through urine samples or polygraph tests, to prove they haven't used banned substances like steroids, hormones, or other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).

Membership Requirements: Competitors often need to be members of the organizing federation. For example, in the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF), athletes must have a valid WNBF membership to compete.

Amateur and Pro Divisions: Most competitions have both amateur and professional divisions. To qualify for a pro division, an athlete must first win an amateur event or obtain a “pro card” by performing exceptionally in a recognized event.

Age and Gender Categories: Athletes are categorized by age and gender. Categories typically include juniors (under 23), open divisions, masters (over 40), and grandmasters (over 50).

Entry and Registration: Competitors must pay an entry fee and complete registration. For certain competitions, a pre-qualification based on past performance may be required.

Distinction Between Natural and Steroid-Based Bodybuilding

The main differences between natural and steroid-based bodybuilding revolve around the methods used to build muscle and the resulting impacts on the body. Here are some key distinctions:

Natural Bodybuilding

Muscle Growth: Achieved through consistent weight training, proper nutrition, and adequate rest. Muscle growth is gradual and sustainable.
Health: Generally safer with fewer side effects. Promotes overall health, including better cardiovascular health, improved metabolism, and increased bone density.
Appearance: Natural bodybuilders tend to have a more balanced and proportionate physique. Muscle definition is less extreme compared to steroid users.
Recovery: Recovery times are longer, requiring more rest between intense workouts.
Competitions: Natural bodybuilding competitions often have strict drug-testing policies to ensure participants are not using performance-enhancing drugs.

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Steroid-Based Bodybuilding

Muscle Growth: Steroids significantly accelerate muscle growth and strength gains. Results are more dramatic and achieved in a shorter time.
Health Risks: Steroid use can lead to serious health issues, including liver damage, cardiovascular problems, hormonal imbalances, and psychological effects like mood swings.
Appearance: Steroid users often have a more “enhanced” look with larger muscle mass, visible veins, and extreme muscle definition, even in the off-season.
Recovery: Faster recovery times due to the anti-inflammatory effects of steroids, allowing for more frequent and intense training sessions.
Side Effects: Visible side effects can include acne, hair loss, gynecomastia (development of breast tissue in men), and changes in secondary sexual characteristics.

Choosing Between the Two

Natural Bodybuilding: Ideal for those who prioritize long-term health, sustainable muscle growth, and a balanced lifestyle.
Steroid-Based Bodybuilding: Often chosen by those seeking rapid and extreme muscle gains, but it comes with significant health risks and ethical considerations.

Take Away

The main advantage of participating in natural bodybuilding events is the emphasis on health and sustainability. Natural bodybuilding promotes muscle growth through consistent training, proper nutrition, and adequate rest, leading to gradual and sustainable results. This approach minimizes health risks associated with performance-enhancing drugs, such as liver damage and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, natural bodybuilding fosters a balanced and proportionate physique, and the strict drug-testing policies in competitions ensure a fair and level playing field for all participants. This focus on overall well-being and ethical competition makes natural bodybuilding a healthier and more sustainable choice.

Bodybuilding

Primal Movements: Our Ultimate Guide for Maximum Results

Published

4 months ago

August 29, 2024

Zizou

Primal movements are fundamental, natural movements that our bodies are designed to perform. Incorporating these into your training can enhance strength, mobility, and overall fitness. Here’s an ultimate guide to primal development and movements for bodybuilders:

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Understanding Primal Movements

Primal movements are basic, functional movements that mimic the natural actions humans have performed for thousands of years. These movements are essential for developing a strong, balanced, and resilient body. They can be categorized into seven primary patterns:

Push
Pull
Squat
Lunge
Hinge
Rotate
Gait (Locomotion)

The Seven Primal Movement Patterns

Push

Description: Involves moving a weight or resistance away from your body.

Examples: Push-ups, bench press, overhead press.

Muscles Worked: Chest, shoulders, triceps.

Pull

Description: Involves drawing a weight or resistance towards your body.

Examples: Pull-ups, rows, bicep curls.

Muscles Worked: Back, biceps, forearms.

Squat

Description: A fundamental lower-body movement where you lower your hips from a standing position and then stand back up.

Examples: Bodyweight squats, barbell squats, goblet squats.

Muscles Worked: Quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves.

Lunge

Description: A single-leg movement that involves stepping forward, backward, or to the side and lowering your hips.

Examples: Forward lunges, reverse lunges, lateral lunges.

Muscles Worked: Quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves.

Hinge

Description: Involves bending at the hips while keeping a neutral spine.

Examples: Deadlifts, kettlebell swings, hip thrusts.

Muscles Worked: Hamstrings, glutes, lower back.

Rotate

Description: Involves twisting or rotating the torso.

Examples: Russian twists, woodchoppers, cable rotations.

Muscles Worked: Obliques, abdominals, lower back.

Gait (Locomotion)

Description: Involves movements that propel the body forward.

Examples: Walking, running, crawling, bear crawls.

Muscles Worked: Full body, with emphasis on legs and core.

Benefits of Primal Movements

Functional Strength: Primal movements enhance your ability to perform everyday tasks efficiently and safely.

Improved Mobility: These movements promote flexibility and range of motion, reducing the risk of injury.

Balanced Development: By working multiple muscle groups, primal movements ensure balanced muscle development.

Core Stability: Many primal movements engage the core, improving overall stability and strength.

Increased Caloric Burn: Compound movements like these burn more calories, aiding in fat loss and conditioning.

Incorporating Primal Movements into Your Training

Warm-Up: Start with dynamic stretches and light cardio to prepare your body.

Compound Exercises: Focus on compound exercises that incorporate multiple primal movements.

Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the weight or resistance to continue making gains.

Variety: Mix up your routine to prevent plateaus and keep your workouts interesting.

Recovery: Ensure adequate rest and recovery to allow your muscles to repair and grow.

Sample Primal Movement Workout

Warm-Up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio and dynamic stretching.

Workout:

Push: 3 sets of 10-12 reps of push-ups or bench press.

Pull: 3 sets of 10-12 reps of pull-ups or rows.

Squat: 3 sets of 10-12 reps of bodyweight or barbell squats.

Lunge: 3 sets of 10-12 reps per leg of forward or reverse lunges.

Hinge: 3 sets of 10-12 reps of deadlifts or kettlebell swings.

Rotate: 3 sets of 15-20 reps of Russian twists or cable rotations.

Gait: 3 sets of 30-60 seconds of bear crawls or sprints.

Cool-Down: 5-10 minutes of static stretching and deep breathing exercises.

1. Warm-Up and Mobility Drills

Start your workout with primal movement-based warm-ups to prepare your body. For example:

Dynamic stretches: Incorporate lunges with a twist, leg swings, and arm circles.
Mobility drills: Include exercises like hip circles, cat-cow stretches, and thoracic rotations.

2. Compound Exercises

Add primal movements as the core of your workout. Here’s how you can structure it:

Push Day: Combine bench presses with push-ups.
Pull Day: Mix pull-ups with rows.
Leg Day: Integrate squats and lunges with deadlifts.

3. Supersets and Circuits

Create supersets or circuits that include primal movements:

Superset Example: Pair squats with pull-ups or push-ups with lunges.
Circuit Example: Rotate through exercises like kettlebell swings, bear crawls, and Russian twists with minimal rest.

4. Functional Training Days

Dedicate one or two days a week to functional training focused on primal movements:

Sample Functional Workout

- Warm-Up: 5 minutes of dynamic stretching.
- Circuit: 3 rounds of:
  - 10 push-ups
  - 10 pull-ups
  - 15 squats
  - 10 lunges per leg
  - 15 kettlebell swings
  - 20 Russian twists
  - 30 seconds of bear crawls
- Cool-Down: 5 minutes of static stretching.

5. Active Recovery

Use primal movements on active recovery days to promote mobility and flexibility:

Activities: Light yoga, walking, or gentle bodyweight exercises like lunges and squats.

6. Progressive Overload

Gradually increase the intensity of primal movements by adding weights or resistance bands:

Example: Start with bodyweight squats, then progress to goblet squats, and eventually barbell squats.

7. Listen to Your Body

Pay attention to how your body responds to these movements and adjust accordingly:

Modify: If a movement feels too challenging, modify it to suit your fitness level.
Rest: Ensure you’re getting adequate rest and recovery to prevent overtraining.

Sample Weekly Routine for Primal Movements

Monday: Push Day

Bench Press
Push-Ups
Overhead Press

Tuesday: Pull Day

Pull-Ups
Rows
Bicep Curls

Wednesday: Leg Day

Squats
Lunges
Deadlifts

Thursday: Functional Training

Circuit of primal movements (as outlined above)

Friday: Active Recovery

Light yoga or walking

Saturday: Full-Body Workout

Combination of push, pull, squat, and hinge movements

Sunday: Rest Day

By incorporating these primal movements, you’ll enhance your functional strength, mobility, and overall fitness. If you have any specific goals or need further customization, feel free to ask! Happy training.

For optimal performance in primal movements before a bodybuilding competition, consider these supplements:

Pre-Workout Supplements: These can provide energy and enhance performance. Look for products containing creatine, nitric oxide stimulators, and caffeine.

Post-Workout Supplements: Essential for recovery, including protein powders, BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids), and multivitamins.

Fat Burners and Metabolizers: These can help in reducing body fat while maintaining muscle mass. Ingredients like green tea extract and L-carnitine are popular.

Adaptogens: Supplements like ashwagandha and rhodiola rosea can help manage stress and improve endurance.

Conlusion

Primal movements, which include squatting, lunging, hinging, twisting, walking, pushing, and pulling, benefit from a strong foundation of functional strength and mobility. Ensuring your body is well-nourished and recovered will help you perform these movements effectively.

Incorporating primal movements into your bodybuilding routine can lead to significant improvements in strength, mobility, and overall fitness. By focusing on these fundamental patterns, you can build a well-rounded, resilient body that performs well both in and out of the gym.