weightlifting question

[daryldolittle]

is there a difference between say doing,

 

bench press 2 sets 5 reps

 

barbell row 2 sets 5 reps

 

or

 

bench press 1 set 5 reps

 

barbell 1 set 5 reps

 

then repeat

 

I find the second one produces a better workout.

 

Any thoughts or the differnces etc?

[Radok]

The second is called circuit training. Pick several exercises that work unrelated muscle groups, and do one set of each exercise with no rest in between, and repeat until you have the required sets done. This will elevate the heart rate, get the workout done quicker, and (if you have enough different exercises) the muscles will still get enough rest in between sets to lift maximally.

[Jerry]

it also depend whether you want to merely tone or if you want to build muscle.

 

With your first one, you must use heavy weights with a very short break between reps and then go for it. This will help you build.

 

With the second one (circuit as per Radok) you will use lighter weights and will do your reps faster with an equally short break inbetween reps.

 

I would suggest you do 3 sets of 10-15 reps if you want to gain maximum benefit and let 48 hours elapse before training the same muscle group (on building). So you will have a 3 day training programme then.

[DokterVet]

I don't see why you have to use lighter weight if you are alternating excersizes. If your goal is strength, then 5-7 reps is a good range. Add the 10-15 rep sets in addition to the low rep stuff if you want full hypertrophy and endourance.

[WhiteBelt]

is there a difference between say doing,

 

bench press 2 sets 5 reps

 

barbell row 2 sets 5 reps

 

or

 

bench press 1 set 5 reps

 

barbell 1 set 5 reps

 

then repeat

 

I find the second one produces a better workout.

 

Any thoughts or the differnces etc?

 

Define better.

 

I would do (3-6)x5 over 2x5, and 2x5 over any circuit training, any day. But, that's my 'better'.

[SevenStar]

it also depend whether you want to merely tone or if you want to build muscle.

 

technically, there's no such thing as tone...

[SevenStar]

is there a difference between say doing,

 

bench press 2 sets 5 reps

 

barbell row 2 sets 5 reps

 

or

 

bench press 1 set 5 reps

 

barbell 1 set 5 reps

 

then repeat

 

I find the second one produces a better workout.

 

Any thoughts or the differnces etc?

 

if you are only doing 5 reps, I'm assuming you're lifting heavy weight. they will both build strength. What will make a difference here is rest period.

[Vito]

it can be better unless you get too tired to do your muscles' maximum potential when lifting. that is, if by your last set of rows youre too exausted from the nonstop lifting to lift what you coud if you werent circuit training, those muscles are getting cheated a better workout.

[daryldolittle]

WhiteBelt, by "better" i mean it feels like that workout worked the muslce harder,

 

I do Use heavish weights, and my goal is strength/muscle bulk,

 

Also by doin the Circuit method as Radok puts it i feel fresher afterwards. Which acoording to many books and articles i have read it the goal of strength training.

[Master Jules]

I posted a very detailed explanation in the "weightlifting for martial arts" thread.....check it out, as it will be very helpful in answering your question.