The optimal number of sets of resistance exercise required to produce maximum increase in muscular strength remains a very controversial topic. In order for any strength training program to be considered effective, obviously that program would have to produce an increase in strength.
If two different systems both produced an equal increase in strength, then other criteria must be utilized to determine which is truly the most effective. These additional criteria would be the amount of time invested to achieve the desired result, as well as the amount of effort expended.
Thus, the most effective system of strength training (or anything else) would be the one which produced the greatest possible results with the lease possible amount of effort in the shortest possible time.
The purpose of this article is to compare single set training to multiple set training to determine which training protocol comes closest to being the previously mentioned most effective system.
The intensity-duration relationship
Multiple set training is defined as performing more than one set of a certain resistance exercise, typically 2 to 5 sets. Usually a 1 to 2 minute rest period is taken between sets. Traditionally, multiple set systems have been considered a requirement to stimulate maximum strength gains.
While multiple set training has produced unquestionably good results in a multitude of trainees over the years, this system contains one inherent flaw: it attempts to defy the principles of logic, reason, and human physiology by disregarding the incontrovertible relationship between intensity and duration.
Intensity is defined as the percentage of possible momentary effort being exerted. Duration is the amount of time over which such efforts are conducted. To paraphrase, intensity is how hard it is, while duration is how long it takes.
There is universal agreement that intensity is the single specific stimulus required to generate increased muscular strength. The critical, yet often ignored, factor involved in strength training programs is that intensity and duration are inversely proportional. This means that as the intensity of effort increases, the amount of time that such an effort can be sustained will proportionately decrease.
These are incontrovertible facts not subject to debate which can be readily observed in everyday life. It is literally impossible for a human being to sustain 100% intensity for prolonged periods of time.
Consider, for example, the activity of running, something almost all of us have had experience with since we were children. Picture yourself sprinting at top speed for a distance for 50 yards. Now imagine yourself running a distance of one mile. Can you run the mile at the same all-out pace you used in sprinting the 50 yards? Of course not. Why? Because intensity and duration are inversely proportional. Since you drastically increased the duration of your run, the intensity had to decrease, whether you wanted it to or not.
The ideal strength training program
Once the facts regarding the intensity-duration relationship are clearly established, it becomes possible to manipulate these variables to produce the desired training result. Since intensity is the factor responsible for stimulating strength gains, and duration is inversely proportional to intensity, an ideal strength training program would combine the highest possible intensity with the lowest possible duration.
One set per exercise, performed until no further volitional movement is possible, satisfies these requirements.
Practical application
How can this information be utilized by the individual wishing to make his own training program as effective as possible? The following guidelines are offered:
- Make each repetition as intense as possible by maintaining strict form. This includes controlling the repetition speed, taking care to move the weight by muscular force alone without momentum. No quick starts, bouncing or heaving. Lift the weight smoothly, pause at the end position, and lower slowly under full control.
- Make each set as intense as possible by continuing that set until no further volitional movement is possible, that is, to muscular failure. Continue performing strict repetitions until you are stopped in your tracks during the repetition despite your greatest effort. Remember, if you complete a repetition, no matter how hard it was, you must attempt another one! Make sure, however, you have the proper safety measures in place first, i.e. racks to catch the weight in a safe position and a competent spotter.
- Make each workout as intense as possible by performing only one set per exercise in the fashion described above. Remember, intensity and duration are inversely proportional; if you do extra sets, the intensity of your workout will decrease, reducing its effectiveness. In addition, keep your workouts as brief as possible by limiting the total number of exercises performed to one, or at the most two, per muscle group.
I hope this article has provided a clearer understanding of the intensity-duration relationship as it applies to effective strength training. Such an understanding, properly applied, is the cornerstone of an effective strength training program.
8 Comments. Leave new
Thank you for this informative post. One of my favorite (although aged) training books is The Natilus book by Ellington Dardon. I often use machines at the gym and single sets to failure have always worked well for me.
That’s a great book that’s in my bookcase as well Ed. I’ve been training this way exclusively since the early 80’s and in my book it’s the best way to train.
Good article, Dave. I think efficiency is good–especially as we get older.
Thank you David – time is our most precious resource, so it just makes sense to seek the most time-efficient ways to do things to maximize our time. I think as we get older we realize this more and more.
How difficult is it to truly train to failure if you’re training alone?
I remember reading that Arthur Jones only met two people who could train that hard without anyone needing to push them, Dan Gable and Dick Butkus. As much as I’d like to think I could train with the same kind of intensity they did, I know I’m not them and what I might consider failure really isn’t. Can a person learn to give a maximum effort with experience or do you really need someone holding your feet to the fire to reap the full benefits of this kind of training?
Hi Stephen, while it’s true that in most cases we’ll squeeze out a little more effort with someone else pushing us, it’s definitely not a requirement for productive strength training. With experience, you become more proficient at focusing and getting those last, most productive reps.
Besides, finding a training partner or even a personal trainer who is totally dialed in to what you are trying to do and will actually help you do it is pretty hard, and not an option for many people. If you can find somebody like that, then great, you’ve hit the jackpot; if not, just put in the maximum effort you’re capable of by yourself, progress your reps and/or weight whenever you can, and you’ll do just fine.
Thank you for the post, as always informative. I’m never sure that I’m training each muscle group, where can I find detailed information to do one or two exercises per each group? Thank you
Hi Deb, great to hear from you – if I’m understanding your question correctly, you’re looking for a list of exercises that tells you what muscle groups they work, so you make sure you’re not missing anything. Hope I got that right.
I don’t have a list exactly like that on the site – the closest thing is probably this post, which describes 11 exercises and what muscle groups each one is for:
https://www.strengthafter50.com/resistance-exercises-for-older-adults/?
There’s a great book that has exactly what (I think) you’re looking for, it’s out of print now but you can find copies on EBay: A Practical Approach to Strength Training by Matt Brzycki.