The Importance Of Sets In Your Muscle Building Program
The more you understand about any subject, the more interesting
it becomes. As you read this article you'll find that the
subject of muscle is certainly no exception.
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.
How can you put a limit on learning more? The next section may
contain that one little bit of wisdom that changes everything.
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.
It never hurts to be well-informed with the latest on muscle.
Compare what you've learned here to future articles so that you
can stay alert to changes in the area of muscle.
In the meantime you can find out more by visiting the web site
listed below.
Keith Londrie is the creator of the
http://building-muscle-information.info/ website that provides
guidance and information to people wanting information about
muscle building. Visit today to answer all of your questions.