Unfortunately, most bodybuilders and powerlifters perform far too many sets and reps. When you lift with high sets and high reps, you are asking for trouble. Such training does at times produce a large amount of muscle mass, especially in steroid users, but the mass never develops in proportion to strength, and muscle without strength is nothing but a joke. As for drug-free lifters, high -set, high-rep training can wreak on cortisol level, which is definitely not what you want if you plan on ever putting an ounce of muscle on your frame.
High-set, low-rep training is another story entirely. It can produce phenomenal strength and size gains as no other type of training can. If you doubt it, then consider these examples routines and give it a try.
High: Set Singles
One of the most popular forms of low-rep training among old-timers, this approach is highly effective at making a muscle stronger. Start off with a weight you absolutely know you can get at least three singles with. Remember, it's better to start off too light than too heavy. Make sure you warm-up well for the lift using low reps.
Then after three minutes rest, go directly into singles. Perform a single, rest three to five minutes and then do another single. If you manage to do eight singles, stop performing the lift, add 2.5-to-5 pounds at your next workout and start the progression again.
If you goal is simply to be stronger, then end the workout at this point. If you want muscle mass to go along with the strength, rest five minutes and perform 3 sets of 5 reps, taking 90 minutes rest between sets.
Here is the example workout:
Day 1: Chest and Arms
- Bench Press: 3-8 x 1; 3 x 3
- Incline Dumbbell Press: 5 x 3
- Barbell Curls: 3-8 x 1
- Close-Grip lockouts 3-8 x 1
Click here for printable workout log!
Day 2: Calves and Abs
Day 3: Legs
- Squats: 3-8 x 1
- Leg Press: 5 x 3
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Day 4: Calves and Abs
Day 5: Back and Shoulders
- Weighted Chins: 3-8 x 1; 3 x 3
- Close-Grip Bent-over Rows: 5 x 3
- Military Press: 3-8 x 1
Click here for printable workout log!
Days 6 and 7: Off
The Power-Up
This approach will probably seem a bit more conventional to most bodybuilders and, easier to get used to the usual method. Perform three different exercises for each muscle group for three sets of three reps each. If you haven't been achieving any results with the more popular, high-rep routines, this method may be just what you need.
It also enables you to use more exercises for each body part and will probably result in the most muscle growth if you've already used the high-set singles for few months.
Here is the example workout:
Day 1: Chest and Shoulders
- Bench Press: 3 x 3 (do 3 progressively heavier warm-up sets of 3 reps, follow by your work set)
- Incline Bench Press: 3 x 3
- Dumbbell Press: 3 x 3
- Military Press 3 x 3 (perform at least 2 warm-up sets)
- Standing Dumbbell Press: 3 x 3
- Dumbbell Lateral raises: 3 x 3
Click here for printable workout log!
Day 2: Legs
- Squats: 3 x 3
- Front Squats: 3 x 3
- Leg Press: 3 x 3
- Standing Calf Raises: 3 x 3
- Seated Calf Raises: 3 x 3
- Donkey Calf Raises: 3 x 3
Click here for printable workout log!
Day 3: Off
Day 4: Back and Abs
- Wide-Grip Chins:3 x 3 (use enough weight in order to train heavy)
- Bent-Over Rows: 3 x 3 (use underhand grip to maximize lat involvement)
- Seated Pulley Rows: 3 x 3
- Forward Crunches: 2 x 20
- Reverse Crunches: 2 x 20
- Leg Raises: 2 x 20
Note: Abs is the only muscle group that you going to use a high-reps approach during this routine.
Click here for printable workout log!
Day 5: Arms
- Barbell Curl: 3 x 3
- Lying Dumbbell Extension: 3 x 3
- Dumbbell Curls: 3 x 3
- Close-Grip Bench Press: 3 x 3
- EZ-Bar Curl: 3 x 3
- Straight- Bar Push-downs: 3 x 3
Click here for printable workout log!
Days 6 and 7: Off
Two good routines for adding a combination of size and strength that use low reps and multiple sets. There are many variations on the idea, but these are a good foundation to start with. Give them an honest try, and you should see the difference.
Be sure to also check out:
15 Weeks To Super Power.
Train Hard And Be Safe!