How many sets Vs reps

[Dan C]

Originally Posted by Rufiedodg

The purists in the HIT method would argue that one would not be able to do another rep after 20 if the proper weight was used ( even with a pause ). Obviously some are more mentally strong than others and may be able to pop a few more out with a pause, but the same argument would still apply—the same mentally tough person should have used that toughness during the first 20 reps therefore upping the weight some.

Along those same lines, ( after spending 2 years performing HIT ) my believe is that not many of us are mentally and physically prepared to perform HIT training with the kind of intensity necessary to gain strength and grow. I’ve grown much more after switching to volume training.

Note that it seems to be the very advanced that are HIT advocates. I do not think I’m ready yet

Although I think you are a HIT advocate yourself, without questions, it would be hard to argue your sets of 25, 30, and 40 reps squats being HIT as opposed to volume.

Dan

Good points. I actually agree with everything you said, and I can't argue with your logic from an HIT purist. However, I think what I've highlighted in bold is especially important in this discussion.

I still wouldn't call the high rep squatting I've done of late as volume training though. I'd say that falls into that grey area that I mentioned before. The fact that I did pace myself means that the set was not *as* intense as it would have been if I had done all the reps consecutively but I think it would be hard to argue that the set was not intense in the general sense of the word.

In other words, if intensity and volume are on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being high intensity and 10 being high volume, I would say those squats fall on the shy side of the mid way point.

[steve7]

Originally Posted by Dan C

What kind of programming would you use that was beyond "basic linear progression"?

Linear progression = adding weight to the bar, essentially.

Basic linear progression = focus on increasing load consistently, each time you train. Something like Rippetoe's basic programming for a novice.

Once that stops working, the focus is, of course, to keep increasing the load overtime. However, planning when and how this happens becomes more complex. That's what I meant. Asking what kind of programming I'd use is tough to answer without context.

[steve7]

Originally Posted by Dan C

Even still, I could use 80% of my 1RM (lets say that 80% is my 5RM) and do a single rep, and it would still not be intense, or at least not as intense as if I did 5 reps. Would you agree?

I do not view "high volume" workouts (be it cardio or weight training) as being intense. They may be difficult none the less, but intensity goes down when pacing yourself and conserving energy come into play.

Again, there's a difference between intensity and intensiveness. Is that what you're getting at Dan?