What Is the Optimal Number of Sets and Reps for Muscle Growth?

How many sets and reps should you do for each body part to maximise muscle growth? You are about to find out with the help of the guys from the Mind Pump podcast.

The Mind Pump Podcast is an online radio show that talks all fitness related and, usually, is provocative. Its hosts are Sal Di Stefano, Adam Schafer, Justin Andrews, and Doug Egge. They also have a YouTube channel with more than 700k subscribers.

The hosts receive various questions revolving around fitness and they answer as simple as possible right on the spot.

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How Many Sets and Reps Should You Do For Each Body Part to Maximise Muscle Growth?

According to Di Stefano, there are scientific studies that tried to answer the optimal amount of total volume per body part per week. This means you can divide the volume by two workouts, three workouts, it depends on how often you weekly hit the gym and do training sessions.

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While there isn’t a single number that fits all sizes, Di Stefano says it is anything between 9 and 18 sets total per week per body part.

Of course, there will be people on either end of the spectrum where doing only 9 sets of chest exercises will be great for muscle hypertrophy, while for others they might need 18 sets to get a good pump and get stronger.

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Adam Schafer says there is even a different range depending on the body part you are training. “You have to figure this out too for you, as an individual.” In Schafer’s own experience, he can handle a lot of bicep training so he gets closer to 18 sets weekly, while his legs are not capable of handling so much work, so he gets closer to 9 sets weekly when squatting, for example.

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You could do this amount of sets and reps in a single workout, but studies show that you should train your muscles at least twice a week for better results and to maintain them.

See the video below for more information.

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There are many reasons why you should do strength training as part of your overall fitness routine. Here are some of the key benefits:

Builds muscle: Strength training is an effective way to build and maintain muscle mass. This can help increase your metabolism, which can help you burn more calories throughout the day.
Increases strength and endurance: By challenging your muscles with resistance exercises, you can increase your strength and endurance, which can make it easier to perform daily tasks and activities.
Reduces the risk of injury: Strong muscles and joints are less likely to be injured during physical activity, which can help reduce your risk of injury and improve your overall physical performance.
Improves bone density: Strength training has been shown to increase bone density, which can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Enhances overall physical performance: Strength training can improve your overall physical performance, whether you’re an athlete looking to improve your performance in a specific sport, or just looking to perform daily tasks with more ease.
Boosts confidence and self-esteem: As you see progress and improvements in your strength and physical abilities, it can boost your confidence and self-esteem.
Improves quality of life: Strength training can improve your overall quality of life by making it easier to perform daily tasks, reducing the risk of injury, and improving your overall physical health and well-being.

Overall, incorporating strength training into your fitness routine can have numerous benefits for your physical and mental health, and can help you live a happier, healthier, and more active lifestyle.

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How Often Should You Workout?

How often you should work out depends on several factors, including your fitness goals, current fitness level, and the type of workouts you’re doing. In general, the American Heart Association recommends that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week, along with at least two days of strength training exercises per week.

Here are some general guidelines for how often to work out based on your fitness goals:

For general health and fitness: Aim to exercise most days of the week, for at least 30-60 minutes per day. This can include a combination of aerobic exercise, strength training, and flexibility exercises.
For weight loss: Aim to exercise most days of the week, for at least 30-60 minutes per day. This should include a combination of aerobic exercise and strength training, with a focus on creating a calorie deficit through a combination of exercise and diet.
For muscle building: Aim to do strength training exercises at least two days per week, targeting all major muscle groups. You can also include aerobic exercise and flexibility exercises as part of your routine.
For athletic performance: The frequency and intensity of your workouts will depend on your specific sport and fitness goals. Consult with a coach or trainer to develop a customized training plan.

Remember, it’s important to listen to your body and avoid overtraining, which can lead to injury or burnout. Start slowly and gradually increase the frequency and intensity of your workouts over time.

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