'3 rep rule'

[khrolix]

I see a lot of people doing 5 sets on lifts, maybe even more--is it ever necessary to go over 3? There's probably some sort of scientific study that shows the gains of each amount of sets, but in my opinion, 3 is the way to go. Any other opinions?

[7digits]

i think the amout of sets a person needs to do is based on how you're body responds to it. i used to do four sets of 10-12. but i found that my body responds better to three sets of 8-10.

[roehrigs01]

I like to change it up every now and then...

Either:
1 set at 70% - 10 reps
3 sets at 130% - 7 reps

or

5 sets at 50% - 10 reps
2 sets at 130% - 7 reps

[CraigC]

There is no set way to do it. If you're doing higher reps, then you do less sets... and if you're doing lower reps, you do more sets..... generally.

[Noir]

Depends on the exercise. I hope you don't max out on curls or tricep extensions...

[wnxmaximus]

I like to do 5+ sets for bench at aroud the 3 rep range. One bench program I do has me doing 3 sets of 3, using 3 different grips. For a total of 9 sets.

I hate doing reps over 6-8 on compound movements, so i love lower reps, and sets ranging from 3-9. For like biceps, triceps, shoulder, any accessory muscle groups i keep reps anywhere from 8-25.

[GetNPumped]

Deff. depends on the person. My traps blew up when i was doing 5/6 sets 8-10 reps each. I am going back actually to my begining style training on everything. Bi's, back, shoulders everything. I had the best gains, maybe newb gains but its worth a shot. With the diet better bound to be good.

Often higher reps is nore strength training correct?

[GetFit]

You might be looking at someones warm up sets as opposed to working sets. While I might do 6 sets of an exercise 2 of them might be working.

[MindFreak]

Originally Posted by roehrigs01

I like to change it up every now and then...

Either:
1 set at 70% - 10 reps
3 sets at 130% - 7 reps

or

5 sets at 50% - 10 reps
2 sets at 130% - 7 reps

what? how can you do 130% of something. if you are doing 100% you are doing your max. that doesnt really make sense unless i'm reading it wrong or something

[musclesntx]

Originally Posted by khrolix

I see a lot of people doing 5 sets on lifts, maybe even more--is it ever necessary to go over 3? There's probably some sort of scientific study that shows the gains of each amount of sets, but in my opinion, 3 is the way to go. Any other opinions?

Sometimes I throw in 20 sets of some lifts...