I just wanted folks to know about what I feel is a relatively quick/easy workout to get stronger/bigger.
Found this site http://www.ageless-athletes.com/ which belongs to Steve Winette. Anyway, he notes 85% of exercise research studies show no benefit of multiple sets over just one all out set.
Having overtrained for too long, this caught my interest, not to mention only having to do one set of squats was VERY appealing.
I've actually been doing one set of each exercise (2-3 exercises per body part) for 3 months now and have grown more than I've ever done in the past.
I don't use the super slow cadence he recommends as Clarence Bass at www.cbass.com notes that it may not be good for hypertrophy and I also find it hard as heck.
His GXP protocol research now has me doing cardio for just 15 minutes and the quick but intense workout fits into my schedule great!
Anyway, I have no affiliation with these folks but wanted to share what I feel has been a relatively quick, intense way to "buff up"
Good luck in achieving your goals!

If you don't work for them, do you sell Nautilus Machines? Just kidding. It sounds good if you have access to all the machines or piles of weights and a spotter. Training in the 5-8 rep range with free weights by yourself could be dangerous, especially for a beginner. I used to work at a Nautilus gym and the main problem with the "Nautilus Circuit" was that people would go through the motions and not challenge themselves to increase the resistance. I sometimes felt that they would let us lift the weight for them if given the chance.

Personally, I use a 300# olympic set, a Gold's XR35 power rack, 180# of Powerblock adjustable dumbells, and a Lifefitness elliptical.
You may be right that going to failure is not ideal but I have a feel for what I can do and so haven't had an injury in a very long while.
I try to focus mainly on compound movements.
Dumbell press, flyes, and barbell press for chest.
Military dumbell press, lateral delt raises, and rear delt raises for delts.
Skull crushers, dips, or triceps extensions for triceps. Pulley row, bent over dumbell row, and lat pulldown for back.
Dumbell curl for biceps.
Squats, deadlift for quads and back.
Prone curls for hams.
This has worked well for me but we are all individuals and I think designing a program that you'll do consistently (ie. convenient, relatively enjoyable) is most important.
IMHO a fairly designed routine done regularly is much more effective than a well designed one done sporatically.
:gl:

How do you like the powerblocks? I was interested in them but I wanted to see them and try them out before shelling out the money.

I highly recommend the powerblocks. Kinda pricey but super easy to change the weights in 2.5# increments. :db:

bump for a good site! :tucool:

I just wanted folks to know about what I feel is a relatively quick/easy workout to get stronger/bigger.

Anyway, he notes 85% of exercise research studies show no benefit of multiple sets over just one all out set.

I've actually been doing one set of each exercise (2-3 exercises per body part) for 3 months now and have grown more than I've ever done in the past.

Glad to see someone enlighten to a different viewpoint. Suggest the Ellington Darden books for more background. His newest (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1594860009/qid=1105899742/sr=2-1/ref=pd_ka_b_2_1/104-4592463-4034340) is best $15 you could spend.

We also have many threads here on HIT.