I can only train two days a week, so I’m using the Basic Ultimate Mass Workout 1. I really like the idea of training each bodypart with only the absolute best compound exercise, and I’m getting some excellent results after only three weeks! My problem is that the workouts make me feel a little drained. Can I cut back to one set on some of the exercises and still make gains with X Reps?

I can only train two days a week, so I’m using the Basic Ultimate Mass Workout 1. I really like the idea of training each bodypart with only the absolute best compound exercise, and I’m getting some excellent results after only three weeks! My problem is that the workouts make me feel a little drained. Can I cut back to one set on some of the exercises and still make gains with X Reps?

 

A: That’s a solid routine, but training the whole body with the best compound exercises, even if it’s only with a couple of sets, along with X Reps can be taxing. It’s not for every body. That’s why we provide alternatives, like a three-day version and a four-day version, with some of the workouts lasting only 35 minutes or so. You said you can only train two days a week, however, so those aren’t options for you.

Here’s a better alternative to simply cutting the sets: Try the drop-set technique with X Reps so that within the one set you’re actually doing two in less time. For example, on incline presses, do a set to failure, finish the set with X Reps at the appropriate position, then reduce the weight to a poundage that allows about six hard reps. You’ll be doing about the same amount of work in less time, which is a classic intensity amplification technique for mass building. You can do that on as many exercises as you want, doing one X-Rep drop set instead of two straight sets. That should reduce your workout time considerably, have you feeling less drained and may even produce better results!