Smaller the Muscle, the Larger the Volume?

Training
1

Hi. I know that the basic way is more volume for larger muscle groups, but I’ve been wondering about doing the opposite. Let’s take for example 8 sets of quads vs. 8 sets of triceps, 8 sets of squats vs. 8 sets of bench dips.

Exercises for larger muscle groups drain more energy, so it’s like the larger muscle groups are trained too much and smaller muscle groups aren’t trained enough. Well there’s probably a reason why most people do more for larger bodyparts, but it is just my conclusion. I’d like to hear your opinions about the topic.

2

I like to keep overall number of sets during the week pretty consistent, but giving more sets to the bodyparts I want to bring up.

3

You could lower the volume for larger muscles but increase the intensity and tweak volume for smaller muscles. If you are good at bio-mechanics you could be able to put something impressive together.

4

This is an interesting point.

When I think about it, I only perform a maximum of 9 working sets for legs in 1 session(ex; 3 set Squat,3 set Leg Press, 3 set Leg Curl) , yet I also do 6 sets for Biceps…a significantly smaller muscle group(ex; 3 sets Barbell Curl, 3 set Preacher Curl).

Although it is only 3 less sets, the overwhelming amounts of fatigue and neural destruction imposed by those 9 sets of legs were far greater. I would go on to say, that you can’t necessarily say, a “bigger” muscle requires more volume…also this DOES tend to generally be implemented widely throughout the training scene.

I, for one, am absolutely positive if I tried to increase the # of working sets on Legs, to say…15 for example, that I would probably not reap any greater benefit , and would most likely induce myself into a coma for the next week lol.

Although it’s not the best example, watch Ronnie Coleman’s leg training.In one leg workout, he typically does ~2 working sets on Back Squat, then ~2 working sets on Leg Press, followed by some lunges or something that isn’t nearly as taxing for maybe ~2-3 working sets.

That’s really only about 6-7 working sets for legs…

Yet, you will watch him do the same,or even more volume(# of working sets) for a small muscle group like triceps.

It may seem strange, but if you really put things into perspective, it kind of makes sense.

Regardless - my own preference is about ~6 working sets for delts/arms/calves …~9 working sets for chest/back/legs.