How many reps in a set. 10 or 10 then 8 then 6?

Ive read heaps of info about how many sets to do and all that, an American magazine said do 4 sets of 10 reps on a few chest exorcises, is that 40 reps all up?
When I was at school (in Australia) they taught us a set is 12 then 10 then 8 reps.
The American info doesnt exactly say that.
I dont think I could do 4 sets of one exorcise the way I know to do em. but 40 reps all up sounds a bit more realistic.
Answer:
A set is pertaining to doing one particular exercise, such as tricepss curls. When you do a "set" it can be broken down into reps. So, you're going to do a set of tricep curls, depending on if you're going to do pyramiding, you can do the first set at 10 lbs. with 12-15 reps. The second set you would increase the weights to 12 lbs. and do 8-12 reps. The third set increase the weights to 15lbs. and do 4-8 reps. With that being said, 20 years ago that's how you were trained in weights. Now it's completely different. They have found that you'll get the same results by doing one set with the maximum amount of weight you can handle up to 15 (depends on your trainer), if you can do more than 15 reps, you need to increase the weight. You don't even have to do up to 15. One set is all you need to do for each muscle group. Your weight training can be done in 30 minutes. Get a personal trainer to help you. Times have changed and you shouldn't have to do more than one set. If you're trying to become a body builder, that may/probably is different.Your abdominals you can do unlimited amount of reps.Good luck.

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I usually do 3 sets of 10 reps

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you can design your workout based on the results you would like to have i do supersets i link 3 excersizes together and do lighter weights and very high reps so in one set i do 3 excercises 20 reps each thats 60 reps for each set X 4 sets
240 reps total but im inpatient i want it now in moderation it works quick.good luck jeff

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when i was doing that, i did the pyramid method, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, then go back up to 12 starting at 2. start out at a light weight and work up from there. it worked for me.

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