what is a super set
Sarah Parker
Updated on August 03, 2026
Example of a strength-building superset:
Barbell squat x 4-6 reps. 15 seconds rest. Barbell bent over row x 4-6 reps. 2 minutes rest.
What is the point of a super set?
The main reasons for using supersets are to build muscle, increase muscular endurance, and to save time. Supersets for muscle building occur in the eight to 12 rep range using moderately heavy weights while endurance athletes will use light weights for 15-30 reps.
Are super sets worth it?
Although supersets can help you finish your workouts faster, that’s mostly what they have to offer. They aren’t better for muscle building than traditional sets, and when used incorrectly (the way most people use them), they actually get in the way of progress by making it harder to progressively overload your muscles.
What is the difference between a set and a super set?
What are straight sets and supersets? Straight set: You do 3-4 sets of the same exercise, you do 10-12 reps in each set, and rest for 1-3 minutes after every set and then you finally move on to the next exercise. Superset: You group two exercises together.
Which exercises to superset?
Here are some examples of exercises you could pair together for supersets: Chest press and back row. Glute bridge and front lunge (hamstrings and quads) Biceps curl and triceps kickback.
What are the best supersets?
The 5 Best Supersets for Athletes
Chest and Back Superset. Push-Ups. Shoulders and Back Superset. Single-Arm Kettlebell Clean and Press. Lower-Body Strength and Power Superset. Deadlift. Upper- and Lower-Body Superset. Chest-Supported Row. Legs and Back Superset.
Is it OK to superset every workout?
While supersets done with little or no rest between exercises might potentially hurt your performance, supersets that lead to you taking longer time between sets of the same exercise could actually help your performance: In one study, participants trained bench press and seated row.
Are supersets good for burning fat?
Supersets are extremely effective in burning fat because they raise your heart rate, and keep it elevated throughout the entire workout. The short or nonexistent rest periods between sets help keep your heart rate consistently high, and jumpstart your metabolism.
Are supersets good for beginners?
Beginners should only do straight sets, not supersets or trisets. *A straight set is when you perform a single exercise, then rest one to two minutes before repeating.
Do you rest between sets in a superset?
Rest about 30 to 60 seconds between supersets, and repeat. Incorporate more variety into your workouts. You don’t have to do exercises for the same muscle group. You can do opposing muscle groups or even two completely different parts of the body.
What is the difference between superset and circuit?
A superset is performing two exercises (commonly strength training exercises that target the same or different muscle groups) in a row with no or little amounts of rest in between. A circuit is three or more exercises (strength training or cardio-based) done in multiple rounds, usually involving a time-based component.
Do supersets increase strength?
Supersets are excellent for developing muscularity, but are not, however, overly effective for building strength. They are not effective for building strength due to a reduction in the amount of weight you can handle. This reduction in weight is caused by fatigue due to lack of recuperation between sets.
How do you perform a superset?
The standard form of superset training involves combining two moves, where you do a set of the first exercise, then go straight into a set of the second, then rest, before going back to the first exercise and continuing that pattern until you’ve completed all the specified sets.
Should you superset legs?
This legs-focused superset session will not only help you build bigger and stronger legs, but also ramp up your metabolism so you burn more calories, which will help you to strip away belly fat fast. For the supersets, complete all the reps of exercise A then move straight on to exercise B without resting.
How many supersets should I do?
If you’re after pure strength, five to eight reps of each will do the trick. After you complete both exercises in a superset, rest for anywhere from 30 to 90 seconds, she says. The less you rest, the more intense your session will feel. From there, repeat for three to six total supersets.
What can I superset with curls?
Superset Arms Workout
1A Triceps dip (Sets 5 Reps 5-10 Rest 30sec)1B Chin-up (Sets 5 Reps 5-10 Rest 60sec)2A Incline dumbbell biceps curl (Sets 3 Reps 12 Rest 30sec)2B Incline EZ-bar skullcrusher (Sets 3 Reps 12 Rest 60sec)3A Cable rope overhead extension (Sets 3 Reps 15 Rest 30sec)