For the last 6 months I have lifted in the manner of what ever I lifted to max, I did the same # of sets going back down. For example bench press I would do sets of 150, 170, 190, 210, then did sets 190, 170, 150. IS this over working? If I do switch to just going up and not down, will that effect me growth?
Thanx in advance.

different people respond differently to different types of traing. some people respond better to more volume, while others swear by the HIT method. basically, it's about seeing what works for you. If you are getting results, then stick with it until your groeing begins to slow down. you could always try doing different types for a change, and to see how you respond to it.

are you only doin this for bench? or are you doing this for all your exercises? find out what works for you and stick with it for a while, and dont forget to change up your program every 6-12 weeks.

[This message has been edited by beast69 (edited 07-13-2003).]

I am doing it for all excersises. IM just trying to cut down on time. At the same time I dont want to waste it either, so if not going down will not have results then I will have to stick with it.

what you could do is take out one or two sets and, on the last on you perform, take it to complete muscular failure. what i mean by this is to pick a weight that you can only do, at max, 6-10 times. I would advise having a spotter. if you are working with a bar(eg. bench press) complete as many reps as you can. when you reach the last rep, and when can physically not push out another rep WITH PROPER FORM, push aginst the weight as hard as you can for 5-10 seconds. this gets you a great pump, and i can almost gaurantee that you will not be able to perform another full set with the same amount of weight. you might want to try doing this on your 3rd or 4th set, maybe even on the 2nd set depending on how it feels to you. this should cut down on the amount of sets you have to do, which, in turn, will cut down on the amount of time you spend in the gym

[This message has been edited by beast69 (edited 07-17-2003).]

Do dead lifts. Increase total body strength.

This will help all other lifts to increase weight and your growth.