11 Powerful Superset Workouts That Can Help Maximize Your Fitness Gains
Updated on: April 19, 2024
Reviewed By Anita K., MSc., GCP
Learn how to enhance your training with powerful superset workouts to maximize muscle endurance, strength, and efficiency.
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Ultimate Superset Workouts for Maximum Muscle Gain
A superset workout consists of two exercises performed in succession without a rest period between them. The technique can involve training opposing muscles or targeting the same muscle group for increased intensity.
Supersets are effective for increasing muscle endurance and strength and saving time during a workout by reducing the rest intervals. They can also elevate the heart rate, thus providing a cardiovascular benefit in addition to resistance training.
Common Types of Superset Workouts
The most common types of superset workouts are by the muscle groups or movement patterns they target.
Antagonistic Supersets
Antagonistic supersets are resistance training methods where you alternate exercise sets for opposing muscle groups with little to no rest in between.
The logic behind the technique originates from the physiological makeup of muscles, where one muscle group activates to move a joint in one direction and uses an antagonistic group to move it in the opposite direction.
For example, the biceps and triceps are antagonistic muscle groups; the biceps flex the elbow, and the other muscle extends it.
Working them back-to-back allows you to create a balanced workout whereby one muscle group rests while the other works. That improves the efficiency of your workout by reducing the needed total rest time but also enhances blood flow to the area, which can contribute to muscle growth and strength gains.
Below is how an antagonistic superset might look in practice.
Perform exercises targeting the first muscle group, like the biceps with bicep curls.
Switch to a triceps-focused exercise like tricep dips without resting.
Rest briefly after completing the second exercise, if needed, before starting the next set.
The benefits of antagonistic superset workouts include increased muscular endurance and potential improvements in muscular balance, which can reduce the risk of injury. They also elevate the heart rate, offering cardiovascular benefits and often leading to a more intense workout with the potential for higher caloric burn.
Antagonistic superset workouts also allow a higher volume of work within a shorter time frame, making it an efficient option for those with limited time to exercise.
Sample Antagonistic Superset workout
Below is a sample Antagonistic Superset workout to follow. Adjust the weight and repetitions based on your fitness level, and warm up properly before starting this routine.
Warm-Up
- 5-10 minutes of light cardio, e.g., jogging, cycling, or rowing)
- Dynamic stretches focusing on major muscle groups
Workout
Chest and Back
- A1: Bench Press – 3 sets of 8-12 reps
- A2: Bent-Over Rows – 3 sets of 8-12 reps
Shoulders and Lats
- B1: Standing Overhead Press – 3 sets of 8-12 reps
- B2: Pull-Ups or Lat Pull-Downs – 3 sets of 8-12 reps (or to failure for pull-ups)
Biceps and Triceps
- C1: Barbell Bicep Curls – 3 sets of 8-12 reps
- C2: Tricep Dips or Rope Pushdowns – 3 sets of 8-12 reps
Quads and Hamstrings
- D1: Leg Press – 3 sets of 10-15 reps
- D2: Lying Leg Curls – 3 sets of 10-15 reps
Abs and Lower Back
- E1: Plank – 3 sets for 60 seconds hold
- E2: Hyperextensions – 3 sets of 12-15 reps
Cool Down
- 5-10 minutes of light cardio, e.g., walking, slow cycling)
- Static stretches for all major muscle groups
PS:
- Perform the exercises, e.g., A1, A2, as a superset workout. That means you should do one set of A1 and immediately follow it with one set of A2 before resting.
- Repeat the cycle after the rest for the recommended number of sets before moving on to the next pair of exercises, i.e., B1, B2.
The superset workout structure ensures one muscle group works while its antagonist rests, which can lead to improved recovery and performance.
Agonistic Supersets
Agonistic supersets, aka., compound sets, involve performing two exercises back-to-back for the same muscle group with no rest in between.
Superset workouts significantly increase the intensity by keeping the targeted muscle under continuous stress for two consecutive exercises.
Agonistic superset workouts might work as follows,
- Stress and Recovery
Consecutively working the same muscle group keeps the primary muscles under constant tension and stress. That can lead to increased muscle fatigue and, consequently, muscle growth due to the repair process that follows. - Increased Muscle Time Under Tension (TUT
Extending a muscle’s time under tension within a single workout session can enhance muscle size and endurance gains. - Overload
Agonistic superset workouts can effectively overload muscles, pushing past plateaus by increasing the volume of work done in a session.
The overload is crucial for advanced athletes who need a high stimulus for growth. - Metabolic Stress
The superset can create high metabolic demand, increasing calorie burn and contributing to hypertrophy. That happens when metabolic byproducts like lactate accumulate. - Time Efficiency
Agonistic superset workouts are highly time-efficient, allowing exercisers to condense a substantial training volume into a shorter session.
Agonistic Superset workout
Below is a sample Agonistic Superset workout. Each superset consists of two exercises that target the same muscle group.
Perform each exercise pair back-to-back with no rest in between, then rest for 1-2 minutes after completing each superset workout before moving on to the next pair.
Warm-Up
- 5-10 minutes of cardiovascular exercise to get the blood flowing.
- Dynamic stretches. Focus on the muscle groups you plan to work.
Workout
Chest
- A1: Flat Bench Press – 4 sets of 6-10 reps
- A2: Push-ups – 4 sets to failure
Back
- B1: Pull-Ups – 4 sets of 6-10 reps (or as many as possible)
- B2: One-Arm Dumbbell Row – 4 sets of 8-12 reps per arm
Shoulders
- C1: Seated Dumbbell Press – 4 sets of 6-10 reps
- C2: Lateral Raises – 4 sets of 12-15 reps
Legs with Quads Focus
- D1: Squats – 4 sets of 6-10 reps
- D2: Leg Extensions – 4 sets of 10-15 reps
Legs with Hamstrings Focus
- E1: Romanian Deadlifts – 4 sets of 6-10 reps
- E2: Lying Leg Curls – 4 sets of 10-15 reps
Arms: Biceps
- F1: Standing Barbell Curls – 4 sets of 8-12 reps
- F2: Hammer Curls – 4 sets of 12-15 reps
Arms: Tricep
- G1: Close-Grip Bench Press – 4 sets of 8-12 reps
- G2: Overhead Tricep Extension – 4 sets of 12-15 reps
Cool Down
- 5-10 minutes of light cardio, such as walking, to help with recovery.
- Static stretching for all the major muscles worked, holding each stretch for at least 20 seconds.
Upper-Lower Body Supersets
Upper-lower body supersets involve alternating between exercises targeting the upper body and lower body within the same superset.
The approach allows for a balanced superset workout that engages all major muscle groups, promotes cardiovascular efficiency, and increases caloric expenditure by keeping the heart rate elevated throughout the session.
Below is a closer look at how upper-lower body superset workouts function.
- Cardiovascular and Caloric Demand
Alternating between upper and lower body exercises in rapid succession challenges the cardiovascular system as blood has to move from one part of the body to another quickly, which can increase the number of calories burned. - Rest and Recovery
The upper body muscles rest when the lower body is working, and vice versa. That means you can maintain a high intensity throughout the workout. - Increased Workout Density
Combining upper and lower body movements allows you to fit more exercises into a shorter time frame, making your workouts more time-efficient. - Enhanced Muscle Recovery
Upper-lower body superset workouts can potentially lead to better muscle recovery and growth by allowing more frequent training.
You train the muscles with high intensity and give them optimal time to recover before being worked again. - Flexibility in Exercise Selection
Upper-lower supersets offer flexibility in exercise selection. You can pair compound movements, like squats with pull-ups, or mix in isolation exercises, such as bicep curls with leg extensions. - Hormonal Response
The workout structure may optimize your hormonal response to exercise, including releasing testosterone and growth hormone, conducive to muscle growth and fat loss.
Upper-Lower Body Superset workout
Below is a sample Upper-Lower Body Superset workout designed to provide a full-body training effect while being time efficient.
The workout alternates between upper and lower body exercises, allowing one part to recover while the other works.
Warm-Up
- 5-10 minutes of light cardio, e.g., jogging, rowing, or cycling
- Dynamic stretches, e.g., leg swings, arm circles, hip rotations
Workout
Superset Workout 1
- A1: Dumbbell Bench Press – 4 sets of 8-10 reps
- A2: Barbell Back Squats – 4 sets of 8-10 reps
Superset Workout 2
- B1: Pull-Ups or Lat Pull-Downs – 4 sets of 8-12 reps
- B2: Dumbbell Lunges – 4 sets of 10 reps per leg
Superset Workout 3
- C1: Seated Dumbbell Shoulder Press – 4 sets of 10-12 reps
- C2: Deadlifts – 4 sets of 6-8 reps
Superset Workout 4
- D1: Dumbbell Row – 4 sets of 10-12 reps per arm
- D2: Leg Press – 4 sets of 10-12 reps
Superset Workout 5
- E1: Dumbbell Flyes – 4 sets of 12-15 reps
- E2: Calf Raises – 4 sets of 15-20 reps
Cool Down
- 5 minutes of light walking or cycling
- Full-body stretching routine, focusing on all the major muscle groups worked, holding each stretch for at least 30 seconds.
PS
- Ensure you select a weight that allows you to complete all reps with good form but is also challenging enough to fatigue the muscle by the end of the set.
- You can adjust the rest period between supersets to suit your fitness level and goals; shorter rest periods will increase the intensity and cardiovascular challenge, while longer rests will allow for more strength-focused workouts.
Push-Pull Supersets
Push-pull superset workouts involve alternating between ‘pushing’ and ‘pulling’ exercises.
That allows for balanced training of the muscles that perform opposite functions and provides several benefits over traditional workout splits.
Below is how you can structure push-pull superset workouts
- Push Exercises
These target the muscle groups for pushing movements away from the body, primarily involving the chest, triceps, and shoulders.
Examples include bench press, overhead press, and squats, which involve some push action through the legs. - Pull Exercises
These work the muscles involved in pulling movements toward the body, which include the back, biceps, and posterior chain muscles. Exercises like rows, pull-ups, and deadlifts are examples of pull movements. - Alternate Training
Alternating between push and pull movements allows you to train more frequently and with greater volume.
That can lead to improved muscle recovery and growth. - Increased Training Density
Push-pull superset workouts allow you to perform more exercises within a shorter period, increasing the density of the workout, which can help you build muscle and burn fat. - Reduced Overuse Injuries
Alternating push and pull exercises helps prevent overuse injuries by avoiding constant stress on the same muscle groups, allowing for balanced development and rest. - Enhanced Muscular Coordination
Push-pull superset workouts promote a balance in muscular development and coordination, as many real-world activities require coordinated pushing and pulling movements.
Push-Pull Superset Workout
Below is a sample Push-Pull Superset Workout. It alternates between pushing and pulling exercises. The approach ensures balanced development and can help improve muscular endurance and strength.
Warm-Up
- 5-10 minutes of light cardio to increase the heart rate and blood flow to muscles.
- Dynamic stretches. Focus on the muscles you intend to work.
Workout
Perform the push exercise first and then the pull exercise immediately after without resting. Rest for 60-90 seconds after completing each superset before moving on to the next pair of exercises. That maximizes muscle hypertrophy and strength gains and keeps your heart rate up for cardio benefit.
Adjust weights to manage fatigue and maintain proper form throughout all sets and reps.
Superset Workout 1
- A1: Barbell Bench Press – 3 sets of 8-10 reps
- A2: Barbell Bent Over Row – 3 sets of 8-10 reps
Superset Workout 2
- B1: Standing Military Press – 3 sets of 8-10 reps
- B2: Pull-Ups or Assisted Pull-Ups – 3 sets of 8-10 reps
Superset Workout 3
- C1: Incline Dumbbell Press – 3 sets of 10-12 reps
- C2: One-Arm Dumbbell Row – 3 sets of 10-12 reps per arm
Superset 4
- D1: Dips – 3 sets of 10-12 reps
- D2: Seated Cable Row – 3 sets of 10-12 reps
Superset 5
- E1: Squats – 3 sets of 10-12 reps
- E2: Deadlifts – 3 sets of 10-12 reps
Superset 6
- F1: Overhead Tricep Extension – 3 sets of 12-15 reps
- F2: Hammer Curls – 3 sets of 12-15 reps
Cool Down
- A light cardio cooldown for 5 minutes
- A stretching routine for all major muscle groups worked, holding each stretch for at least 20-30 seconds.
Staggered Supersets
Staggered supersets are a unique way to structure a workout where you intersperse sets for smaller, typically less fatigued muscle groups in between sets for larger muscle groups.
The method allows you to increase the volume of work for the smaller muscle group without taking additional time out of your workout.
It can also serve as an active recovery for the larger muscles you are targeting.
Below is a detailed explanation of how staggered superset workouts work.
- Main Muscle Group Training
Start with exercises for a major muscle group, such as the chest, legs, or back, which generally involves compound movements like the bench press, squat, or deadlift. - Staggered Set for Smaller Muscle Group
Instead of resting after completing a set for a major muscle group, perform a set for a smaller, unrelated muscle group, such as calves, abs, or forearms. - Active Recovery
The smaller muscle group exercises act as an ‘active rest’ for the larger muscle groups. You utilize the time to train another part of the body while the larger muscle group is recovering. - Increased Frequency for Smaller Muscles
Staggered superset workouts allow for increased training frequency of the smaller muscle groups without adding additional days to your workout routine, leading to better muscle development. - Time Efficiency
Filling ‘rest’ periods with productive work makes your workout more time-efficient. You do more work in the same amount of time, benefiting those with a busy schedule. - Balance and Symmetry
The method can help prevent imbalances by ensuring you do not neglect smaller muscle groups in favor of larger ones.
Staggered Superset Workout
The Staggered Superset Workout routine targets major muscle groups while incorporating smaller muscles during ‘rest’ periods to maximize time efficiency and ensure balanced training.
Warm-Up
- 5-10 minutes of cardiovascular exercise, such as jogging or cycling.
- Dynamic stretches, focusing on the muscles you will work.
Workout
Legs and Abs
- A1: Squats – 4 sets of 6-10 reps
- A2: Hanging Leg Raises during rest – 4 sets of 10-15 reps
Chest and Calves
- B1: Bench Press – 4 sets of 6-10 reps
- B2: Standing Calf Raise during rest – 4 sets of 12-15 reps
Back and Forearms
- C1: Deadlifts – 4 sets of 6-8 reps
- C2: Wrist Curls during rest – 4 sets of 15-20 reps
Shoulders and Neck
- D1: Overhead Press – 4 sets of 6-10 reps
- D2: Neck Isolation Exercises during rest – 4 sets of 10 reps per side
Lats and Obliques
- E1: Lat Pull-Downs – 4 sets of 8-12 reps
- E2: Side Planks during rest – 4 sets of 30 seconds per side
Quads and Shin Muscles
- F1: Leg Press – 4 sets of 10-12 reps
- F2: Toe Raises during rest – 4 sets of 15-20 reps
Cool Down
- 5 minutes of light walking or cycling to bring the heart rate down.
- Static stretching for all the major muscle groups worked, holding each stretch for at least 20-30 seconds.
Pre-exhaust-Post-exhaust Superset Workout
A pre-exhaust/post-exhaust superset workout involves either starting with an isolation exercise to ‘pre-exhaust’ a muscle group before moving to a compound movement or doing it in reverse order, starting with a compound movement and then ‘post-exhausting’ with an isolation exercise.
Below is how you might structure a workout with both pre-exhaust and post-exhaust supersets for a full-body routine.
Warm-Up
- 5-10 minutes of cardio, e.g., jogging, cycling, rowing
- Dynamic stretching for all major muscle groups
Workout
Pre-exhaust Superset for Chest
- A1: Pec Deck Flyes or Dumbbell Flyes – 3 sets of 10-12 reps
- A2: Barbell Bench Press – 3 sets of 8-10 reps
Post-exhaust Superset for Back
- B1: Barbell Bent Over Rows – 3 sets of 8-10 reps
- B2: Straight-Arm Pulldown – 3 sets of 12-15 reps
Pre-exhaust Superset for Shoulders
- C1: Lateral Raises – 3 sets of 12-15 reps
- C2: Standing Military Press – 3 sets of 8-10 reps
Post-exhaust Superset for Legs
- D1: Squats – 3 sets of 8-10 reps
- D2: Leg Extensions – 3 sets of 12-15 reps
Pre-exhaust Superset for Quadriceps
- E1: Leg Extensions – 3 sets of 12-15 reps
- E2: Leg Press – 3 sets of 10-12 reps
Post-exhaust Superset for Hamstrings and Glutes
- F1: Romanian Deadlifts – 3 sets of 8-10 reps
- F2: Lying Leg Curls – 3 sets of 12-15 reps
Pre-exhaust Superset for Arms
- G1: Preacher Curls – 3 sets of 12-15 reps
- G2: Dumbbell Hammer Curls – 3 sets of 8-10 reps
Post-exhaust Superset for Arms
- H1: Tricep Pushdowns – 3 sets of 12-15 reps
- H2: Close-Grip Bench Press – 3 sets of 8-10 reps
Cool Down
- 5-10 minutes of light cardio to help with recovery
- Static stretching for all major muscles worked, holding each stretch for at least 20 seconds
Isolation-Compound Supersets
Isolation and compound superset workouts involve starting with an isolation exercise to pre-fatigue a specific muscle and then immediately moving to a compound movement that targets the same primary muscle group along with others. The method intensifies the demand on the pre-fatigued muscles, potentially leading to greater strength and size gains.
Below is an example of how you could structure an Isolation-Compound Superset workout
Warm-Up
- 5-10 minutes of cardiovascular exercise
- Dynamic stretches targeting all major joints and muscle groups
Workout
Chest and Triceps
- A1: Cable Flyes (Isolation for chest) – 3 sets of 12 reps
- A2: Bench Press (Compound for chest, shoulders, triceps) – 3 sets of 8 reps
Back and Biceps
- B1: Straight-Arm Lat Pulldown (Isolation for lats) – 3 sets of 12 reps
- B2: Pull-Ups or Chin-Ups (Compound for back and biceps) – 3 sets of as many reps as possible
Shoulders
- C1: Dumbbell Lateral Raises (Isolation for shoulder lateral heads) – 3 sets of 12 reps
- C2: Push Press (Compound for overall shoulders and arms) – 3 sets of 8 reps
Legs
- D1: Leg Curls (Isolation for hamstrings) – 3 sets of 12 reps
- D2: Squats (Compound for quads, hamstrings, glutes) – 3 sets of 8 reps
Arms
- E1: Preacher Curls (Isolation for biceps) – 3 sets of 12 reps
- E2: Dips (Compound for chest and triceps) – 3 sets of 8 reps
Cool Down
- A 5-10 minute walk to bring the heart rate down.
- Static stretching for all major muscle groups, holding each stretch for at least 30 seconds.
Cardio-Strength Supersets
Cardio-strength superset workouts combine cardiovascular exercises with strength training in quick succession.
The hybrid training method aims to improve cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength within the same workout, offering a time-efficient and balanced approach to fitness.
Cardio Component
The chosen cardiovascular exercises are typically movements you can perform at a high intensity for a short duration. Exercises like sprinting, jumping rope, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) movements, or cycling are good.
Strength Component
The strength exercise should target major muscle groups and can include compound or isolation movements. The choice may depend on specific training goals, such as hypertrophy, strength, or endurance.
Sequencing
A typical sequence involves performing a strength exercise followed by a short burst of intense cardio or vice versa. The switch between exercises happens with little to no rest to keep the heart rate elevated.
The format is beneficial for burning calories, increasing metabolic rate, enhancing cardiovascular and muscular endurance, and saving time by combining cardio and strength training into one session.
Cardio-Strength Superset Workout
Warm-Up
- 5-10 minutes of light cardio to gradually increase your heart rate
- Dynamic stretching and mobility exercises for all major joints
Workout
Superset 1
- A1: Barbell Squats – 3 sets of 10 reps
- A2: Jump Rope – 1 minute
Superset 2
- B1: Push-Ups – 3 sets of 12-15 reps
- B2: Box Jumps – 1 minute
Superset 3
- C1: Dumbbell Lunges – 3 sets of 10 reps per leg
- C2: High Knees – 1 minute
Superset 4
- D1: Bent Over Barbell Rows – 3 sets of 10 reps
- D2: Burpees – 1 minute
Superset 5
- E1: Dumbbell Bench Press – 3 sets of 10 reps
- E2: Mountain Climbers – 1 minute
Superset 6
- F1: Pull-Ups – 3 sets of 6-8 reps
- F2: Sprints (Treadmill or Outside) – 30 seconds at max effort
Superset 7
- G1: Plank – 3 sets for 1-minute hold
- G2: Kettlebell Swings – 1 minute
Cool Down
- A slow 5-minute walk or light cycling
- Stretching for all major muscle groups, with particular attention to those that feel the tightest, holding each stretch for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Notes for the superset workout
- Rest for 1-2 minutes after completing each strength-cardio superset to recover before moving on to the next pair.
Functional Supersets
Functional superset workouts are a pairing of exercises designed to improve performance in activities of daily living or specific sports. They focus on multi-joint movements and mimic the complex, functional patterns in real-life actions, like bending, twisting, lifting, pushing, pulling, and squatting.
The idea is to combine exercises in a superset workout format that complements each other in the employed movement patterns or the muscle groups they activate.
Functional training often incorporates free weights, medicine balls, resistance bands, or body weight to enhance coordination, balance, and movement efficiency.
Functional Superset Workout
Warm-Up
- 5-10 minutes of light cardio
- Dynamic stretching focusing on full-body movements such as leg swings, arm circles, and hip rotations
Workout
The superset workout combines functional movements to challenge your body, helping to improve your performance in everyday activities or sports.
It can help build strength and enhance your ability to perform complex movements efficiently.
Lower Body and Core
- A1: Goblet Squats – 3 sets of 12 reps
- A2: Walking Lunges with a Twist (holding a medicine ball) – 3 sets of 12 reps per leg
Upper Body Push and Pull
- B1: Push-Ups with a Single-Arm Row (using a dumbbell) – 3 sets of 10 reps per side
- B2: Medicine Ball Slams – 3 sets of 15 reps
Core Stability and Hip Mobility
- C1: Single-Leg Deadlift to Overhead Press – 3 sets of 10 reps per leg
- C2: Turkish Get-Ups – 3 sets of 5 reps per side
Total Body Integration
- D1: Burpees – 3 sets of 10 reps
- D2: Kettlebell Swings – 3 sets of 15 reps
Rotational and Anti-Rotational Core
- E1: Cable Woodchoppers – 3 sets of 12 reps per side
- E2: Plank with Dumbbell Drag – 3 sets of 10 drags per side
Cool Down
- A 5-10 minute walk or light cycling to gradually lower your heart rate.
- Static stretching and foam rolling. Focus on all major muscle groups.
Bodyweight Supersets
Bodyweight superset workouts involve performing two consecutive exercises with just your body weight, targeting either the same muscle group for an agonistic superset or opposing muscle groups for an antagonistic superset.
The method increases the intensity of the workout by reducing the rest time between sets, which can improve endurance, strength, and cardiovascular health.
The advantages of bodyweight supersets are numerous.
- Convenience: You can do them anywhere without gym equipment
- Time Efficiency: Eliminating rest between sets allows you to get a quick and effective workout
- Versatility: You can easily modify exercises to suit any fitness level
- Fat Burning: The high intensity and little rest between sets can lead to high caloric expenditure
- Strength and Endurance: They challenge your muscles to adapt by improving strength and endurance due to the continuous stress on the muscle groups
- Balance and Coordination: Many bodyweight exercises engage core stabilizers and improve balance and coordination
Bodyweight Superset Workout
Warm-Up
- 5 minutes of cardio, jogging in place, high knees, butt kickers
- Dynamic stretching, e.g., arm swings, leg swings, bodyweight squats
Workout
Lower Body Superset
- A1: Squats – 3 sets of 15 reps
- A2: Lunges – 3 sets of 10 reps per leg
Upper Body Push Superset
- B1: Push-Ups – 3 sets of 10-15 reps
- B2: Tricep Dips (using a chair or bench) – 3 sets of 10-12 reps
Upper Body Pull and Core Superset:
- C1: Inverted Rows (using a sturdy table or railing) – 3 sets of 8-12 reps
- C2: Plank to Push-Up – 3 sets of 10 reps (5 per starting arm)
Core and Agility Superset
- D1: Mountain Climbers – 3 sets of 30 seconds
- D2: Jump Squats – 3 sets of 15 reps
Total Body and Cardio Superset
- E1: Burpees – 3 sets of 8 reps
- E2: High Knees – 3 sets of 30 seconds
Core Focus Superset
- F1: Sit-Ups – 3 sets of 15 reps
- F2: Russian Twists – 3 sets of 20 reps (10 per side)
Cool Down and Flexibility Superset Workout
- G1: Cobra Stretch – 3 sets of 30 seconds
- G2: Child’s Pose – 3 sets of 30 seconds
Cool Down
- A series of static stretches, including hamstring stretch, quad stretch, chest opener, and shoulder stretches, holding each for at least 30 seconds.
5-Day Superset Workout Program
The 5-day superset workout program targets different muscle groups using supersets to maximize efficiency and muscle growth.
Ensure you warm up before each session and cool down afterward.
Day 1: Chest and Back
Warm-Up
- 5 minutes of light cardio
- Dynamic stretching: arm circles, band pull-apart
Superset Workout
- A1. Bench Press: 4 sets x 8 reps
- A2. Pull-Ups: 4 sets x 8 reps or to failure
- B1. Incline Dumbbell Press: 4 sets x 10 reps
- B2. Bent-Over Rows: 4 sets x 10 reps
- C1. Chest Dips: 4 sets x 12 reps
- C2. Single-Arm Dumbbell Row: 4 sets x 12 reps on each side
- D1. Push-Ups: 3 sets x 15 reps
- D2. T-Bar Row: 3 sets x 15 reps
Cool Down
- Stretching for the chest and back
Day 2: Legs and Abs
Warm-Up
- 5 minutes of light cardio, e.g., elliptical, treadmill
- Dynamic stretching: leg swings, walking lunges
Superset Workout
- A1. Squats: 4 sets x 8 reps
- A2. Hanging Leg Raises: 4 sets x 15 reps
- B1. Leg Press: 4 sets x 10 reps
- B2. Cable Woodchops: 4 sets x 12 reps on each side
- C1. Romanian Deadlifts: 4 sets x 10 reps
- C2. Plank: 4 sets x 1-minute hold
- D1. Calf Raises: 4 sets x 15 reps
- D2. Ab Wheel Rollouts: 4 sets x 12 reps
Cool Down
- Stretching for legs and core
Day 3: Shoulders and Arms
Warm-Up
- 5 minutes of cardio, e.g., jump rope, boxing
- Dynamic stretching: arm swings, shoulder rotations
Superset Workout
- A1. Standing Military Press: 4 sets x 8 reps
- A2. Barbell Curls: 4 sets x 8 reps
- B1. Lateral Raises: 4 sets x 10 reps
- B2. Tricep Dips: 4 sets x 10 reps
- C1. Front Raises: 4 sets x 12 reps
- C2. Hammer Curls: 4 sets x 12 reps
- D1. Rear Delt Flyes: 4 sets x 15 reps
- D2. Skull Crushers: 4 sets x 15 reps
Cool Down
- Stretching for shoulders and arms
Day 4: Active Recovery or Rest
- Light cardio: walking, cycling at a relaxed pace
- Yoga or Pilates for flexibility and core strength
- Foam rolling and stretching
Day 5: Full Body
Warm-Up
- 5 minutes of light cardio
- Dynamic full-body stretching
Superset Workout
- A1. Deadlifts: 4 sets x 6 reps
- A2. Box Jumps: 4 sets x 10 reps
- B1. DB Thrusters: 4 sets x 8 reps
- B2. Pull-Overs: 4 sets x 12 reps
- C1. Bulgarian Split Squats: 4 sets x 10 reps each leg
- C2. Push-Ups with Rotation: 4 sets x 10 reps – 5 per side
- D1. Renegade Rows: 3 sets x 12 reps each side
- D2. Jump Rope: 3 sets x 1 minute
Cool Down
- Full body stretching
Ensure you have at least one full rest day after the five-day program to allow recovery, especially if you are lifting heavy or pushing at high intensity.
Benefits of a Superset Workout
Superset workouts offer several benefits, making them popular with fitness enthusiasts looking to maximize their workout efficiency.
- Time Efficiency
Supersets allow you to do more work in less time by reducing the rest intervals between sets. That is perfect for those with limited time to exercise. - Increased Intensity
By performing two exercises back-to-back with minimal rest, you increase the intensity of your workout, which can lead to improved muscle endurance and strength gains. - Metabolic Boost
The continuous nature of superset workouts keeps your heart rate up throughout your training. That can increase calorie burn during and after your session due to the heightened state of metabolic activity. - Enhanced Cardiovascular Conditioning
The quick pace and reduced rest periods can improve your cardiovascular endurance, similar to the benefits of a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session. - Muscle Growth and Endurance
Supersets can stimulate muscle growth through increased time under tension and the accumulation of metabolic stress, which are essential factors in hypertrophy. - Flexibility and Creativity
You can structure superset workouts in many ways, allowing for flexibility and creativity in their design. You can pair exercises for opposing muscle groups, the same muscle group, or completely unrelated muscle groups. - Plateau Prevention
Changing your routine to include supersets can help you push past plateaus in strength and endurance by altering the stimulus to your muscles. - Improved Workout Focus
You are constantly moving from one exercise to the next in superset workouts, which can keep you mentally engaged and focused on your training, making the time spent training more productive. - Greater Anabolic Response
Some studies suggest that the increased intensity and volume of supersets can lead to higher post-workout levels of growth-promoting hormones like testosterone and growth hormone. (1) - Versatility
Superset workouts are not limited to free weights or machines. You can use different equipment, including your body weight, making them versatile and accessible.
Final words from LiveLife
Incorporating superset workouts into your training program can help challenge your body, enhance your fitness, and make your sessions more dynamic and engaging.
As with any training method, it is essential to align the type of supersets with your fitness goals and ensure you allow adequate recovery time for the muscles worked.
Incorporate these supersets into your training regimen to help achieve maximum results in minimal time.
References
- S. Weakley, J. J., Till, K., Read, D. B., B. Roe, G. A., Darrall-Jones, J., Phibbs, P. J., & Jones, B. (2017). The effects of traditional, superset, and tri-set resistance training structures on perceived intensity and physiological responses. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 117(9), 1877-1889.
- Krzysztofik M, Wilk M, Wojdała G, Gołaś A. Maximizing muscle hypertrophy: a systematic review of advanced resistance training techniques and methods. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;16(24):4897. doi:10.3390/ijerph16244897
- Realzola, Rogelio A.1; Mang, Zachary A.1; Millender, Desmond J.1; Beam, Jason R.2; Bellovary, Bryanne N.1; Wells, Andrew D.1; Houck, Jonathan M.1; Kravitz, Len1. Metabolic Profile of Reciprocal Supersets in Young, Recreationally Active Women and Men. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 36(10):p 2709-2716, October 2022. | DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003920