Benefits of Giant Sets as Part of Your Bodybuilding Routine

Most of you experienced weight trainers have heard of giant sets, the circuit training equivalent for bodybuilding. You perform one set and directly go to the next with minimal rest (preferably for the same body part or group of muscles) and keep going until you complete about 5 – 7 sets and finish the circuit. Perform this circuit 3 - 4 times and you've completed the workout. This method of training has numerous benefits:

1. It helps you maintain a quick pace during your workout which is an aid to cardiovascular training.
2. It cuts down on your valuable time by allowing you to complete your workout faster.
3. Giant sets break up the monotony of your routine in a quick and efficient manner.
4. It helps you attack the targeted muscle group in a new and effective way.

However there are a few precautions to note when attempting to complete a giant set workout:

1. Use a moderate weight for each exercise as the quickened pace and going directly to the next set will fatigue your muscles more rapidly.
2. Stay focused as the increased intensity and muscle fatigue of performing sets quicker may open yourself up to injury.
3. Listen to your body. Your conditioning will let you know how much time to rest you need between sets.

I suggest resting 60 - 90 seconds between sets the first time you attempt giant sets and gradually reduce it to 30 – 45 seconds as your conditioning improves.

Next time I will outline in full detail one of my favorite giant set routines.

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