Muscles and volume?

[Slimdaddy]

I'm a tad confused... If one is not training to failure, then how does one know if the weights are too low?
For instance I did a workout and, whereas I normally do 3 sets of 8-12 reps, I split it into 5 sets of 5-6 reps with shorter rests. It works out roughtly the same number of reps in the end... I found it a lot less taxing on my system have to say. But whereas before I was failing at the end of the 2nd/3rd set, this was not happening today.
So should I use a weight such that I am a rep or two away from failure on the last sets?

[Barry]

Yes, just increase it til you can't do more than 7 reps from the 1st set.
Stick to a weight that only allows for 7 max.
Reduce the weight with each set as neccesary.
It's definitely is less taxing on you.
I think that's the idea.
You may have heard it said before:
"Get in and out of the gym as soon as possible".
In other words, train as hard and as short as possible.
Your objective being to tax the muscle sufficiently enough to stimulate growth without using up too much central reserves.

I haven't being a follower of low reps but I'm giving it a try and it is working quite well.
Pyschologically, my workout's are much easier.
(Wonder, though if I'm loosing some conditioning?)

[pipe cleaner arms]

what is a skull crusher?

[James Copping]

Also called french press?

You lay on the bench with the bar locked out like a bench press. Insead of moving straight down, do a reverse curl towards your head. Kinda like a laying extension on the way back up. I find they hurt my tris but I know loads of people who like them.

[Resurrected]

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One problem as a beginner is knowing the terminology

Also, would you do that routine on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday for example?

Pipe Cleaner take a look at the link below. Click on the various body parts and then the various exercises and you'll be taken to a video and description of most exercises.

http://www.exrx.net/Lists/WtMale.html

[Slimdaddy]

I've been trying out the high sets/low reps technique the last couple of weeks.

Already I feel a huge improvement in strength and musculature. And even though I rarely train to failure (sometimes in the last set), later at home it feels like I've been hit by a train, and sometimes feel slightly sore the next day. This has not happened in a long time.

This really works! Great advice - cheers

[Lowmans]

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Originally Posted bySlimdaddy
I've been trying out the high sets/low reps technique the last couple of weeks.

Already I feel a huge improvement in strength and musculature. And even though I rarely train to failure (sometimes in the last set), later at home it feels like I've been hit by a train, and sometimes feel slightly sore the next day. This has not happened in a long time.

This really works! Great advice - cheers

Good to hear, I'm going to give this high set low rep system a try for 8 - 10 weeks starting this weekend, as my current routine is getting a bit boring and takes too long (up to 90mins per session excluding warmup & warmdown). I have high hopes that this will work and will not take anywhere near as long.

[Resurrected]

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I've been trying out the high sets/low reps technique the last couple of weeks.



This really works! Great advice - cheers

Slim......How many sets?

[Slimdaddy]

5 sets of 5-6 reps, decreasing the weight slightly if necessary.

Although for unassisted dips use 10 reps as my target, and calf raises 15 reps. 5 reps just doesn't seem enough for these two exercises!