[quote]DoIEvenLift wrote:
Why do we do it? Why are two sets of five reps at 50 lbs not as efficient as one set of ten reps at 50 lbs? From the research I’ve done there’s basically no reason. Muscle fiber recruitment has shown to be highest in the middle reps of a set, so why not stop there and get that benefit twice? It would also be sufficiently less stress on the CNS.
Looking forward to responses! Asked a personal trainer at my gym why, and he said that’s what makes the muscle grow. I just want to know why it would induce hypertrophy more efficiently, if it is true. It’s so widely taught that no one questions it. Even training 2 reps short of failure from what I’ve researched is sort of futile, you might as well stop a little earlier leaving up to five reps in the tank, and just do another set.
Looking forward to some interesting responses, thanks guys![/quote]
I don’t think that’s a fair comparison. 2 sets of 5 is a lot less effort than 1 set of 10 with the same weight. It would be better to compare 2 things that are closer to the same effort. That would mean comparing doing 1 set of 10 to 3 or 4 sets of 5 at the same weight. I personally have better results with more sets and more total work in the second case.
I can do more work and be recovered sooner that way.