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what is better?

skinnyrobin Posts: 224 Joined: 2002/05/10	2003/04/24, 09:06 AM whats better for building muscle? doing 4 sets and 20 reps of an exercise or doing 1 set of 80 reps of an exercise?
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2003/04/24, 09:12 AM well if you are using a heavy weight for the 4 sets and do 5 reps then that is the better way to build mass. Doing one set of 80 reps will help build some strength and endurance, but in my opinion will lead to overtraining. -------------- IF YOU CAN STILL ITCH YOUR NOSE AFTER ARM DAY, GO DO ANOTHER SET!!!
I_Am-aZon Posts: 893 Joined: 2003/02/18	2003/04/24, 09:15 AM Hi skinnyrobin For me, I am trying to build lean muscle by using 15 reps/3 sets of the most weight I can handle without losing form. I have to burn for the last 3 reps of the 15, if I don't feel like it is challenging enough,or I am not getting the burn, I increase the weight until I get it. Hope this helps
skinnyrobin Posts: 224 Joined: 2002/05/10	2003/04/24, 09:31 AM the only thing is, when i'm doing sit-ups, I don't feel anything proper after just 20 reps. instead of 4 sets of 20 reps i would much prefer to do 1 set of 80 reps. I at least fell something then.
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2003/04/24, 09:52 AM abs are different do what works for you...I thought you were talking about other bodyparts! LOL good luck! -------------- IF YOU CAN STILL ITCH YOUR NOSE AFTER ARM DAY, GO DO ANOTHER SET!!!
skinnyrobin Posts: 224 Joined: 2002/05/10	2003/04/24, 10:15 AM yeah sorry, i should have mentioned that before
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2003/04/24, 10:41 AM Try hitting the abs with resistance. Will work much better to get you that six pack, and will greatly cut down your time doing abs. You will not get the "six pack" without using resistance. Abs are a muscle, and need to be overloaded to grow. Using resistance, you will FEEL SOMETHING. Ab rope crunches are awesome for upper abs, weighted leg raises are great for lowers. Continuous sets of situps may help to get your stomach a bit flat at the very best, and that is mainly just from calorie burn from the amount you do. So, use resistance 2-3 times per week, 3 sets for upper, 3 for lower, and if you choose torso rotations or twists for the obliques, eat a correct diet, and you will carve out a nice set of abs. This workout should take about 10-15 minutes. -------------- The one goal you will NEVER achieve is the one you never attempt.
skinnyrobin Posts: 224 Joined: 2002/05/10	2003/04/24, 12:49 PM I have ankle and wrist weights. But when I do normal crunches with wrist weights on, i get a pain in my neck. This probably means my form is bad right?
rpacheco Posts: 3,770 Joined: 2001/12/13	2003/04/24, 12:58 PM Weighted ab work will also require plate weights. For example, you can do weighted crunches by grasping a plate weight from behind your head or placing it on your chest. Wrist and ankle weights alone are not heavy enough to properly work your ab muscles. To answer your question, yes it's in your form. You should not lift your neck with your hands. Try placing your hands on top of your head or criss-cross them on your chest. This puts more emphasis on your abs to lift your shoulder blades off the ground. Good luck! -------------- **_Robert_** Pain is temporary; glory is forever!