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When Are Burnouts, Supersets, Etc. Appropriate?

ucimigrate

Active member
Hi Everyone,

I cannot wait for this Coronavirus lockdown to end, and get back to the 5 * 5 Stronglifts.com program.

I am thinking about burnouts, tear sets, supersets, trisets, giant sets, etc.

1. When are burnouts, supersets, etc. appropriate, versus just skipping them?

2. Even when appropriate, when does it become too much?

3. Any specific order, such as:

a. Doing heavier work first, then moving on to lighter weight
b. Sticking with barbells first, then dumbells, then bodyweight exercises, then machines
c. Doing full reps first, then stick to single leg, then do 1, 1/2s?

Etc.

4. Anything Data or Records to Back It Up?

5. I am thinking that the Stronglifts 5 * 5 program could add something if the last set added this. In fact, just in fantasy, I can think of up to ten things that could be done immediately after to up the intensity?

For example, normally someone will try Strong Lifts 5 * 5 on squats. Right now, I cold probably do 225 lbs for about 5 times.

After this, it is my fantasy, I could do:

- 135 lbs on barbell squats for 10-15 reps
- Perhaps stripping down to 95 lbs for another 10-15 reps
- Further burnout using only the bar
- Doing bodyweight squats (maybe 10-15 at once)
- Doing Switch Jumps (doing maybe 10-15)
- Doing leg extension machine with two legs, full reps
- Doing leg extension machine with one leg each, full reps
- Doing single leg extension 1, 1-2 reps

I do not know how much of this I could actually complete, but I think it could be possible.

Why would this be a bad idea?
 
These articles will likely help you understand some fundamentals to answer your own question:

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It is questionable if a drop set is more stimulating to muscle adaptations of strength and hypertrophy then regular sets. On a per set basis a drop set can result in a higher workload per set but if we count volume as a hard set near failure then it might be just as effective long term. A drop set can increase perceived intensity, which if you enjoy that, awesome. If you don't have a lot of time to train then it can result in a higher workload per set, awesome. They could lead to a faster accumulation of fatigue and more muscle damage per set and thus increasing recovery demands, recovery is an adaptation but it doesn't seem its one that results in us being bigger or stronger, just better at recovery. Straight sets near failure and a lot of those are likely the best option when it comes to fatigue management, recovery needs, and adaptations.
 
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