• X Shop
  • Checkout

X-REP.COM

Dedicated to Your Physical Transformation

  • Home
  • About Us
  • X Shop
  • X Files
    • Latest Articles
    • FAQ
    • Ezine Archive
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us
  • Gallery
  • Subscribe

Researchers Wrong On Sets for Mass?

Steve hitting a most muscular pose outside of his sauna
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

A recent meta-analysis was released about the best number of sets for building mass: 12 to 20 per week for each muscle…

Hmm. I’m not so sure about that “magic-mass” range. Why?

There are a lot of individual factors to consider—like age and steroids. But my biggest contention is the exercise choices in these studies.

If subjects are NOT emphasizing the ideal exercise for each muscle, they’ll need more sets to get the mass-building job done.

In other words, if you use inefficient exercises, your weekly volume will need to be higher to get the same results…

It’s like using a wrench to drive a nail instead of a hammer—you can do it, but it will take longer, and you may smash a finger or two…

On the other hand, if you emphasize the ideal exercises, you’ll grow optimally with fewer sets…

Steve demonstrating one-arm cable curls with support

Remember, the ideal exercises have the proper resistance curve, optimal line of force and reduced bi-lateral deficit. That precision engages the most muscle fibers.

I credit the ideal exercises for my decent physique at age 64. That’s with only four sets per muscle at each workout—eight sets per week, not 12 to 20.

Steve hitting a most muscular pose outside of his sauna

All it takes is 40-minute workouts three times a week. And that’s with no drugs, no hormone replacement, no Photoshop.

It’s all about efficient, precision training for better gaining.

Your Efficient Mass-Building Handbook: For complete mass workouts that include Speed Sets, the ideal exercise for each muscle, and  the best stretch and contracted add-on moves, get your copy of Old Man, Young Muscle.

And you still get The Muscle-On, Belly-Gone “Diet” ebook FREE for a limited time when you add Old Man, Young Muscle to your mass-building library. Go HERE.

New ebook covers - small

Use Precision Training to GROW!

Till next time, train hard—and smart—for BIG results.

—Steve Holman
Former Editor in Chief, Iron Man Magazine
www.X-Rep.com


Recommended:

ATTENTION OVER-40 BODYBUILDERS

One of the most interesting read-me pages on Testosterone and other muscle-building hormones we’ve seen is The Truth About Testosterone.

It even talks about a fruit, a specific part, that can up your T naturally. Cranking up your testosterone will not only get you jacked in the gym, but in the bedroom too—not to mention help rip up your midsection as it ignites fat burning. If that interests you, there’s more from our colleague and registered dietician, HERE.

Filed Under: X Files Tagged With: efficiency of effort, efficient gaining, high-rep sets, ideal exercises, low-rep sets

Mass Mantra #40

Steve at the top of a deadlift

Another on-point quote from Dr. James DiNicolantonio (@drjamesdinic)… [Read more…]

Filed Under: X Files Tagged With: Dr. James DiNicolantonio, efficiency of effort, mass mantra, recovery

Mass Mantra #39

Mike Mentzer in a relaxed pose in a gym

Here’s another quote from former pro bodybuilder Mike Mentzer that’s especially pertinent today… [Read more…]

Filed Under: X Files Tagged With: efficiency of effort, fast mass, hypertrophy, mass gains, mass mantra, mike mentzer, muscle gains, steroids

Quick Quad-Mass Question

A speed skater with big legs

Q: Your newsletter on sprinter thigh development was thought-provoking. I have to wonder how those athletes, along with oval-track cyclists, get such good development without full-range work. Cycling is especially puzzling because pedaling a bicycle is very short range.

A: Not to mention the quad development of speed skaters, who also use limited range of motion… [Read more…]

Filed Under: X Files Tagged With: efficiency of effort, leg exercises, legs, quad exercises, quads

One-Limb Moves and Efficient Mass Building

Doug performing cable lat pull-ins

I received a question, or really a statement, saying one-limb exercises aren’t efficient because they take too much time. [Read more…]

Filed Under: X Files Tagged With: bi-lateral deficit, efficiency of effort, efficiency-of-effort, efficient gaining, one-limb exercises, slow-twitch exhaustion

2 Mistakes Blocking Your Mass Gains

Steve deadlifting

I bring up the word “efficiency” a lot. That’s because time is precious, especially when you get old. I try not to waste it because, well, you never know when…let’s not go there…

Unfortunately, I feel as if I’ve squandered a lot of time in the gym over the years. Why? Primarily because I never quite wrapped my head around what each muscle does and how best to train them for growth… [Read more…]

Filed Under: X Files Tagged With: biomechanics, efficiency of effort, mass gains, muscle-building mistake

Throw Out Your Barbell

Steve's bare bones home gym

I was as shocked as anyone that at 62 I re-muscled my physique with 35-minute workouts 3 days a week. That’s why I keep saying it over and over—and my wife keeps telling me to shut the f#@# up about it. [Read more…]

Filed Under: X Files Tagged With: barbells, barbells vs dumbbells, bi-lateral deficit, dumbbells, efficiency of effort, home gym, hypertrophy

New Move for Etched Abs

Steve doing incline crunches

For years I’ve been doing crunches on a flat bench with my upper back hanging off the end. That provides some stretch.

But my most recent ab workouts have gotten an overhaul thanks to Mr. America and 2019 Drug-Free Mr. Universe Doug Brignole. He won that last contest at age 59… [Read more…]

Filed Under: X Files Tagged With: ab exercises, ab workout, efficiency of effort, etched abs, ideal ab exercise, ideal exercises

Muscle Mass and The Size Principle

Vince Gironda, lean and vascular

If you want to pack on the most mass with efficiency of effort, the Size Principle of Muscle Fiber Recruitment is key…

The principle says that [Read more…]

Filed Under: X Files Tagged With: 4x density training, density training, efficiency of effort, fast-twitch fibers, hypertrophy, muscle mass, size principle, size principle of muscle fiber recruitment, slow-twitch exhaustion, slow-twitch fibers, STX, vince gironda

Lazy Man’s Way to More Muscle

Steve (ectomorph) and Jonathan (mesomorph) - Sets, Reps, and Muscle-Size Success

Q: I’ve got a tip for you guys: Get off your butts and work out more often, and you’ll get bigger. It looks like you’re only working out three to four days a week. I train six days a week, two hours per workout, and I compete in bodybuilding shows.

A: Hey, are you calling us lazy? Hmm, maybe we are. Everyone is to a degree, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing if you channel it to produce progress. Laziness has been the catalyst for innovation throughout history—like cars and jets. Those things get you to your destination faster and more efficiently… [Read more…]

Filed Under: X Files Tagged With: anabolic fasting, bodybuilding, brad pilon, eat stop eat, efficiency of effort, efficient gaining, intermittent fasting, lazy, muscle building

:: Get the latest news and specials :: Sign Up for our Ezine!

Shopping Cart

Number of items in cart: 0

  • Your cart is empty.
  • Total: $0.00
  • Checkout

Log In

Copyright © 2026 · X-Rep.com