How Many Sets You Should Be Doing in a Workout

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Updated on October 17, 2019

You already know that when you lift weights, you're supposed to do a certain number of sets, but what does that mean? Let's learn more about weight training sets.

The Definition of a Set in Fitness Terminology

A set describes a group of repetitions performed for different exercises. For example, when you're looking at a basic strength workout, you might see something like this: "3x10" for, say, a chest press exercise.

That means you should do three sets of 10 reps. Lift a heavy enough weight that you can only do 10 reps. Then rest and repeat two more times.

How Many Sets Should You Do in a Workout?

In general, the average exerciser does one to three sets of each exercise, though there is some controversy about whether one set elicits the same results as multiple-set training.

But, what if you're more advanced? Or what if you have specific goals? Here's a general chart you can use to figure out how many reps and sets to do based on your goals:

Fitness Goals	Sets	Reps	Rest Period	Intensity
General Fitness	1–2 sets	8–15 reps	30-90 seconds	Various intensity
Endurance	3–4 sets	15+ reps	Up to 30 seconds	50-65% of 1RM
Muscle Mass	3–6 sets	6–12 reps	30–90 seconds	70-80% of 1RM
Muscle Strength	2–3 sets	Up to 6 reps	2–5 minutes	80-90% of 1RM
Power: 1 Lift	3–5 sets	1–2 reps	2–5 minutes	90%+ of 1RM

How to Use Sets to Achieve Your Weight Loss Goals

So, how many sets should you do if you want to lose weight? For weight loss, try incorporating some of the following techniques into your workouts:

Circuit Training: With circuit training, you do each exercise, one after the other without rest. This allows you to build muscle while keeping your heart rate elevated, which can help you burn more calories during and after your workout.
Supersets: With supersetting, you choose two exercises for the same muscle group and do them one after the other. This increases the intensity, which can help you burn more calories. Try a total body superset workout for something that will really challenge you.
Tri-Sets: Like supersets, this involves doing three exercises for the same or opposite muscle groups, one after the other, with no rest in between. Again, this is a great way to build more intensity and burn more calories during your workout.
Pyramid Training: With this type of training, you build on each set, increasing the weight and decreasing the reps so that you really target those muscle fibers and get the most out of each rep. Try an upper-body pyramid workout.
Tabata Strength Training: This is a kind of high-intensity circuit training that keeps your heart rate elevated even more than traditional circuit training, with 20-second work intervals followed by just 10 seconds of rest, repeating that for 4 minutes. It doesn't sound like much, but it's tough.