New Debate: Volume vs. Diversity

I’m planning some workouts that revolve around four compound exercises and some accessory work.

For the accessory work, I’d like to keep the volume minimal. If I am not training to failure, do I need to do several sets of an exercise to gain?

For instance, can I do:
Bicep Curls 1x12
Skullcrushers 1x12
Lying Lateral Raises 1x12
Lying Rear Delt Raises 1x12
Leg Curls 1x12
Sit-ups 1x20
Total = 6 sets

Or, to actually gain muscle mass and strength, do I need to do several sets of each exercise?

Example:
Month 1
Bicep Curls 3x12
Skullcrushers 3x12

Month 2
Lying Lateral Raises 3x12
Lying Rear Delt Raises 3x12

Month 3
Leg Curl 3x12
Sit-ups 3x20

Total per month = 6 sets

Any answers?

Not sure what your physical strength and weaknesses are (in training), but I would train the rear body parts before the front (back before chest/hams before quads).

It seems you lowered volume by lowering sets. In my opinion, you want massive you gotta lift that way. So keep the weight high and reps low

[quote]gustojack wrote:
Not sure what your physical strength and weaknesses are (in training), but I would train the rear body parts before the front (back before chest/hams before quads).

It seems you lowered volume by lowering sets. In my opinion, you want massive you gotta lift that way. So keep the weight high and reps low[/quote]

I’ve recently tried to do Pavel’s Bear routine and found form difficult to maintain, leading to a few injuries.

My body does best on total body workouts, three times a week, in the five to eight rep range, never to failure.

I’d like to try some more traditional-oriented bodybuilding rep schemes (8-12 reps for size) just to see what happens.

Why would you train back before front?