I'm training for athletic performance, and I was wondering if there was an ideal scheme for sets/reps (or one I should avoid). Bigger Faster Stronger recommends 3x5, 5x5, and 10-8-6 schemes. I did another program in the spring was periodized (12-8, 8-6, 3-5), I was happy with the results but looking for something new.

Thanks!

I'm training for athletic performance, and I was wondering if there was an ideal scheme for sets/reps

No. There isn't one. You have to go with one for a while and then mix it up on yourself when your body adapts too much to it. You have to keep changing the game as you improve.

Here's Waterbury's take on set/rep schemes: http://www.t-nation.com/findArticle.do?article=05-091-training

Here's Waterbury's take on set/rep schemes: http://www.t-nation.com/findArticle.do?article=05-091-training

Interesting...

I was thinking of starting Waterbury's 10x3 for fat-loss, but I saw someone post (on T-Nation, I think) that it should be avoided if you are going for athletic performance. Since I'm already worried about getting too bulky, it scared me good.

Interesting...

I was thinking of starting Waterbury's 10x3 for fat-loss, but I saw someone post (on T-Nation, I think) that it should be avoided if you are going for athletic performance. Since I'm already worried about getting too bulky, it scared me good.

Unless your eating alot i wouldn't worry about gaining much weight.

I think the fatloss program is a good one for you but however to reduce muscle growth, if that's your concern, i would do 5x3 instead. I would also use excercise pairings so you can get more rest thus using a higher load to improve strength.

Interesting...

I was thinking of starting Waterbury's 10x3 for fat-loss, but I saw someone post (on T-Nation, I think) that it should be avoided if you are going for athletic performance. Since I'm already worried about getting too bulky, it scared me good.

"Athletic performance" can mean a lot of things. What are your athletic goals?

"Athletic performance" can mean a lot of things. What are your athletic goals?

Jump higher, running faster, avoiding injury, etc. I did a periodized program I adopted from huskerpower.com (by the head trainer of Nebraska...I read his book at borders). Unfortunately, a groin injury kept my legs from really improving. But my upper body feels great, and I'm definitely faster from the fat loss.

I'm still worried about injury, so I'm gonna lay off the plyometrics until the season winds down (so, of course, I injure my knee last week)

My goals now? Maintain and build strength through the season (through Semptember)...and add more variety. I took some time off from the weights, so I'm doing two weeks of 3 x 10 to get back into the groove. Maybe a 3x3 and 5x5 after that (from Bigger, Faster, Stronger...thanks Borders!).

Thanks for all the help!