For the majority of guys going to the gym, the ultimate goal is to build muscle—on top of shedding those unwanted pounds, of course. But what is the perfect number of sets to maximize muscle growth? A recent study on Brazilian Navy cadets offers new insight. For six months, a group of Brazilian Navy cadets took a break from regular boot camp workouts to conduct a weight-training experiment—doing either one, three, or five sets per exercise, and tracking strength gains. The results? The five-setters earned significantly more muscle mass than the other two groups, and upped their five-rep max more as well, according to a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. The findings back the “five sets/five reps” model that trainer Don Saladino, co-owner of NYC’s Drive495 gym, uses for big lifts like the bench press and squat. But for unilateral movements like side-lunges and one-legged squats, do just two to three sets to promote athleticism, he says: “You aren’t doing it to build muscle mass.” For more tips on forging lean mass, check out these 10 ways to bulk up your entire body and the 15 most basic facts about building muscle.
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
More News
The Best Mindfulness Apps for 2023, According to Experts
Work on That Core With The Vinsguir Ab Roller in Your Home
Fuel Up For Your Workouts With Core Power Protein Shakes
Best Testosterone Booster: Top 5 Supplements For Men of 2023
Best Green Powders of 2023 to Boost Your Health
Fortify Your Body With The Optimum Nutrition Multivitamin
All Stories
More Videos
The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More
Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey
Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City
For the majority of guys going to the gym, the ultimate goal is to build muscle—on top of shedding those unwanted pounds, of course. But what is the perfect number of sets to maximize muscle growth? A recent study on Brazilian Navy cadets offers new insight.
For six months, a group of Brazilian Navy cadets took a break from regular boot camp workouts to conduct a weight-training experiment—doing either one, three, or five sets per exercise, and tracking strength gains.
The results? The five-setters earned significantly more muscle mass than the other two groups, and upped their five-rep max more as well, according to a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.
The findings back the “five sets/five reps” model that trainer Don Saladino, co-owner of NYC’s Drive495 gym, uses for big lifts like the bench press and squat.
But for unilateral movements like side-lunges and one-legged squats, do just two to three sets to promote athleticism, he says: “You aren’t doing it to build muscle mass.” For more tips on forging lean mass, check out these 10 ways to bulk up your entire body and the 15 most basic facts about building muscle.
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
More News
The Best Mindfulness Apps for 2023, According to Experts
Work on That Core With The Vinsguir Ab Roller in Your Home
Fuel Up For Your Workouts With Core Power Protein Shakes
Best Testosterone Booster: Top 5 Supplements For Men of 2023
Best Green Powders of 2023 to Boost Your Health
Fortify Your Body With The Optimum Nutrition Multivitamin
All Stories
More Videos
The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More
Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey
Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City
More News
The Best Mindfulness Apps for 2023, According to Experts
Work on That Core With The Vinsguir Ab Roller in Your Home
Fuel Up For Your Workouts With Core Power Protein Shakes
Best Testosterone Booster: Top 5 Supplements For Men of 2023
Best Green Powders of 2023 to Boost Your Health
Fortify Your Body With The Optimum Nutrition Multivitamin
All Stories
More Videos
The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More
Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey
Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City
More News
The Best Mindfulness Apps for 2023, According to Experts
Work on That Core With The Vinsguir Ab Roller in Your Home
Fuel Up For Your Workouts With Core Power Protein Shakes
Best Testosterone Booster: Top 5 Supplements For Men of 2023
Best Green Powders of 2023 to Boost Your Health
Fortify Your Body With The Optimum Nutrition Multivitamin
All Stories
More Videos
The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More
Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey
Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City
More Videos
The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More
Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey
Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City
More Videos
The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More
Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey
Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City