Sets and Muscle Groups Question

[Guest guest]

A few years ago when the single set versus multiple sets debate raged,

Rhea published a couple of papers on a meta-analysis that is generally cited for

the proposition that multiple set are superior to single set programs.

When it came to athletes, he stated as follows: " These data demonstrate that

maximal strength gains are elicited among athletes who train at a mean training

intensity of 85% of 1RM, 2 days per week, and a mean training volume of 8 sets

per muscle group. "

He states in one of the papers, " …rather than designating volume as the total

number of sets per specific exercise, total number of sets per muscle group is a

more appropriate measurement of the absolute stress applied to a given muscle

group. "

My question is this: How is Rhea defining muscle groups? Are 4 sets of squats

and 4 sets of RDL's or standing leg curls equal to 8 sets for the legs, or is it

4 sets of squats and 4 sets of step ups for the thighs and 4 sets of leg curls

and 4 sets of RDL's for the hamstrings?

Jon Haddan

Irvine, CA