Why are there so many exercises in bodybuilder workouts?

Asked by: Jason Raj

Why do bodybuilders do so many sets?

Traditionally, bodybuilding programs utilize more sets than endurance or strength programs (Reference 1). Successful body building combines proper intensity and training volume for optimal muscle growth. Due to the inverse relationship between intensity and volume, sets per body-part must balance both factors.

How many exercises do bodybuilders do per workout?

90-120 weekly repetitions divided into two workouts. 45-60 repetitions per workout. 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions per exercise (two exercises per muscle group)

Why are there so many different exercises?

The main reason for this is that it can depend on your goals. It could be for weight loss, change your physical appearance, or keep healthy and fit. Differing exercise routines could also be dependent on your body type.

Why do bodybuilders do so much cardio?

Cardio is used by bodybuilders to help increase oxygen flow to muscles and burn excess bodyfat. For best results, cardio should only be performed 3-to-4 times per week, on non-resistance training days.

Do bodybuilders live longer?

SAN DIEGO—Bodybuilders have a mortality rate 34% higher than that of the age-matched U.S. male population, according to a study presented at the American Urological Association’s 2016 annual meeting.

Why don t bodybuilders do full range of motion?

In order to keep the tension on the chest.

Is 9 exercises per workout too much?

The ideal number of exercises per workout session is 3-4 exercises. If you select your exercises appropriately and train them with sufficient volume and intensity, this will be more than enough to make great progress. This means: Focusing on an 80/20 split of compound to isolation exercises.

Is 3 exercises per muscle group enough?

Or muscular endurance? In general, a range of 1 to 3 sets of an exercise can provide benefits based on your goals, and even just one exercise per muscle group can give you results. To gain strength, it’s best to stick with a few foundational exercises and concentrate your reps and sets there.

Is 5 exercises per muscle group enough?

A safe bet is to aim for 10–15 total sets per muscle group and week and work in a rep range from low reps (~5) with heavy weights up to high reps (20–30) with lighter weights.

What do bodybuilders do on rest days?

Bodybuilding, or weight training, incorporates rest days by rotating the muscles worked. After exercising a specific muscle group, let it rest for one to two days. This gives your muscles a chance to repair and heal. On the other days, train different muscles.

Did Arnold do any cardio?

I embraced cardio training when my Hollywood career took of. I didn’t have time to train for hours as I used to, so I needed a way to burn extra calories and work my heart in shorter, more efficient workouts. These days, I combine cardio and weight training in the same session.

How do bodybuilders get so lean?

Competitive bodybuilders traditionally follow two to four month diets in which calories are decreased and energy expenditure is increased to become as lean as possible [2–6]. In addition to fat loss, muscle maintenance is of primary concern during this period.

Is 20 sets per workout too much?

So we know based on the 2017 meta-analysis mentioned earlier that roughly 10-20 sets per muscle per week is the sweet spot for maximizing growth. With beginners being at the lower end of this range and more experienced lifters being at the higher end of this range.

Is 5 sets of 12 too much?

Sets of anywhere from 4–40 reps will stimulate muscle growth quite well, but most research shows that doing 6–20 reps per set is the most efficient way to build muscle. Bodybuilders often use the middle of that range, favouring 8–12 reps per set.

Is 6 sets of 10 reps too much?

If you’re looking to get bigger:



Target a rep range of 6 – 12 reps per set. Aim for 3-5 sets. Rest time between sets should be short, about 60 to 90 seconds.

Is 5 sets of 15 too much?

While five sets of 15 reps is a good rep range for more seasoned lifters, Howell advises that beginners opt for five sets of 10 reps. Start with a weight you can perform easily (about 50 percent of your max). “This sounds super conservative but trust me, it catches up,” says Howell.

Are high reps a waste of time?

High-rep training has more cardiovascular impact than lower-rep work, and it also burns more calories (probably not per unit of time, but because high-rep sets keep you working for longer durations).

Do high reps build muscle?

More repetitions with lighter weights can build muscle as well as heavier weights — assuming they are done to the point of exercise-induced fatigue. And fatigue is the important point. That means even with light weight, the last two to three reps should be hard.