Simple Question or Maybe Not. Please Help...

T

timphill

0
Is it better to do more reps and fewer sets or fewer reps and more sets? For example, I started doing pushups about a month ago and I'm up to 200. I've really noticed a difference in my chest since I've been doing them. Anyway, is it a better workout doing 25 reps with 8 sets or let's say, 40 reps with five sets? Does it matter since ultimately I'm still doing 200 pushups either way? I've tried doing them both ways and my recovery time seems to be the same... 200 is my limit regardless. I'm proud of myself because I was only able to do about 20 when I first started, but I just want to be sure I'm working out as efficiently as I can.

Any Thoughts?
Thanks
 
It really depends what you are looking to achieve for general fitness or endurance doing less sets with lots of reps is beneficial.

For building muscle in my experience you are better off doing fewer reps. I stick to 12 as a maximum.

If you are finding 3 x 12 easy then it is time to move to a harder exercise, for example uneven press ups, weighted press ups and eventually one arm press ups.

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I workout at home aswell and just do pushups/situps and variations. As he^ said, yeah, try some variations like get a low table or anything, side of your bed maybe, and put your feet on there so basically you increase the vertical angle and they're harder.

So yeah, you can do loads of pushups if you do smaller sets, but that will build your endurance more and keep your shape pretty even. I always try and do max out sets instead. Meaning, each set I do, is like 5 pushups less everytime, until I can't even do 5, then I stop :)

Best Wishes for you and Congratulations for your improvement! And in any case, no matter what sets you've been doing, 200 pushups is 200 pushups and that's a great number, keep it up =)
 
Thanks for your input guys. So basically what I understand is that more sets/fewer reps builds endurance and not necessarily muscle. To build muscle, increase the resistance and go until I can't go anymore. I appreciate the help.
 
^You're Welcome, Good Luck, and in any case, I may give you my advice, as that's what regiment I prefer, but remember to Train in a way that's comfortable for You and suits your needs/objectives ;)
 
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