3 sets enough for growth?

[Clubber Lang]

I was lifting 3 days a week, 4 exercises a day. Doing 4 sets of 5 reps adding weight each set for squats and deads. For all other exercises I was doing 4 sets reps of 12,10,8,6 adding weight each set.

My question is, I have been very tired due to my job lately and I just don't have alot of time and energy right now. I will still lift 3 days a week and do 4 exercises a day. Would it be a bad idea if I cut it down to 3 sets instead of 4. Doing 3 sets of 5 reps adding weight each set for squats and deads and for everything else cut it down to 3 sets reps of 10,8,6 adding weight each set?

Can I still build good quality muscle only doing 3 working sets an exercise?

 

[ghettostudmuffin]

Yes you can.

Most exercises I do only 1 set for, but I do several different exercises for the same muscle, but it still ends up less volume then most peoples typical routines, but still more than say a "hardgainer" or "HIT" routine. I do the amount of volume that feels right for me.

 

[Clubber Lang]

How does my rep scheme look though?

3 sets of 5 reps increasing the weight each set for squats and deads. And 3 sets reps of 10,8,6 increasing the weight each set for everything else.

 

[SlavikHavik]

I do 2-4 sets depending. 2x a week

Usually something like this
4 chest
2 shoulders
2 tris

So essentially my tris get hit 6 times, and shoulders four times (if you cant bench as shoulders)
its been going good so far

 

[JohnRobHolmes]

if your body is telling you to cut back a bit, do it. its better than not working out. you can always up your intensity whenever you choose.

3 sets for growth is plenty, especially with higher rep ranges like you use.

 

[bignate73]

i'd say with slower negatives, you'll be just fine with 3 sets.

 

[Dial_tone]

I would keep the weight the same for each, after warmups.

 

[d3track]

i made good progress for a while doing 2 working sets per movement
IMO you will be fine, may even work better for you

 

[Dial_tone]

If you're increasing the weight each set then obviously the first two aren't maximal. That will make it hard to progress if you're shortcutting the sets.

 

[cutitup]

I do the same and gettin good growth and not hurting myself