i start at about 80% of my max, then i move up till on my 4th or 5th set (depending on how i feel) im having my spotter force the reps out of me, only helping steady me or lifting just enough to get the weight up or keep me from dropping it on my face if i give out. i dont think, and this is just an opinion, that you need to go to failure on your first or even second set, unless youre only doing 3 sets. going down in weight may be a decent technique but really you arent warranting more work from the muscle through your sets, youre making it easier. i read an interview with priest (who has arguably some of the best arms ever) in which the hotheaded little aussie said that when he does arms for instance he starts out at about 80% (hence my little routine) and goes up for about 5 or 6 sets, and does 12 reps or more on each set. he said its all about volume and getting as much blood into the muscle as possible, he also went on to say that lifters that decrease reps as they increase sets are pussies, but thats just lee talking. now this may not work for everyone and there are probably those out there that say im full of it, but hey, take it with a grain of salt. let me know what you guys think. |