Supersets 101

 

As you move through your workout program to get 8 pack abs, one thing that you should constantly be doing is looking at the different ways that you can enhance the intensity so you can move closer to your end goal.

If you’re going into the gym and performing the same straightforward workout over and over again, it won’t be long before you stop seeing progress.

One of the best ways to shake up your workout routine and move closer to 8 pack abs is to add supersets into the mix.  Supersets are going to enhance the intensity of the session and increase the total metabolic effect that the workout creates, so will definitely move you along the way to maximum success.

Let’s take a look at a few of the different types of supersets that you can perform.

Opposing Muscle Supersets

The first type of superset is the most common variety and that is opposing muscle supersets.  With this variation you’re going to pair two exercises back to back that work exactly opposite muscles.

So for example, you might perform a set of bicep curls with a set of tricep extensions.  Or, you may perform a set of leg extensions with hamstring curls.

This allows the one muscle to work while the other is resting and brings a very good pump to the area of the body.

This approach typically works best on isolation exercises, so keep that in mind.

Upper/Lower Supersets

The second type of superset to consider are upper/lower supersets.  These supersets are going to be where you pair together an upper body exercise with a lower body exercise.

So for example you would do squats and then proceed to do bench press.

Or, you could do a shoulder press set and then do a lunge set.

The advantages to this is that they’re great for saving time during a full body workout and since you are working so many muscles at once with that compound movement superset, you’re going to get a massive calorie burn and metabolic boost because of it.

These tend to be most effective if you want to get 8 pack abs.

Same Muscle Supersets

Finally, the last variation of supersets to consider is same muscle supersets.  With this superset approach you’re going to perform two different exercises for the same muscle group.

So for example, you might perform tricep extensions followed by tricep dips.

Or, you may perform a bench press followed by chest fly’s.  This is a great technique for really maximizing the total amount of fatigue and muscular endurance in a muscle and depleting your muscle glycogen stores.

This variation is also very intense and should only be incorporated from time to time.  You will notice that your normal weight lifted does go down on the second exercise in this superset, but keep in mind this is normal and to be expected.

What’s important is that you simply push yourself hard.

So there you have the main types of supersets to know about.  If you really want to achieve 8 pack abs and lean down the rest of your body, they are an excellent technique to consider.