Lee Priest Shares His Guide to Using Straight Sets, Supersets, Tri-Sets, and Giant Sets in Training

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Hey there, KeepTough here. Today, we're diving into some of the most powerful training methods that have built muscle and strength for decades. When you think of muscle-building legends, Lee Priest is one of the first names that comes to mind. He's an IFBB pro who’s all about going hard in the gym—no shortcuts, just straight-up effort and grit.

But what really sets Lee apart is his workout structure. He’s a master of mixing different set styles to keep his muscles guessing and growing. Whether you’re trying to build mass or get that insane pump, Lee’s got some insights on how to use straight sets, supersets, tri-sets, and giant sets to maximize your gains.

Straight Sets: Lee’s Foundation of Strength​

Straight sets are the bread and butter of any serious training program. You know the deal: same weight, same reps, same rest between each set. Even though he’s an advanced bodybuilder, Lee still relies on straight sets for key lifts—progressive overload is where it’s at, and straight sets are perfect for that. You keep the weight consistent and focus on making sure you’re lifting progressively heavier over time.

Straight sets aren’t just about numbers; they’re about precision and form. If you want to get stronger, you’ve got to lock in your form, and straight sets give you the consistency to do just that. Lee still swears by them for his foundational lifts, like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. These compound movements are essential for building raw strength and muscle mass, so don’t skip this step in your routine.

For example, if you’re doing barbell curls, aim for four sets of 10 reps at the same weight. This approach ensures you’re getting a solid contraction and allows for steady progress week over week.

Supersets: Lee’s Go-To for Intensity and Time Efficiency​

Now, let’s talk supersets. Lee loves supersets because they pack a punch, combining two exercises with minimal rest between them.

Supersets allow you to get more volume in less time, making them great for when you need to hit the muscles hard but still keep your workouts efficient. You can either pair up agonist-antagonist movements, like biceps and triceps, or focus on exercises for the same muscle group, like chest or shoulders.

For Lee, supersets aren’t just about saving time. They’re a way to push through fatigue while still making gains. Think of them as a way to increase intensity—it’s about squeezing in as much volume as possible while your muscles are already under tension.

Here’s one of Lee’s favorites: EZ-bar curls superset with triceps pushdowns. You’ll go for 3-4 rounds without much rest in between, and you’ll feel the intensity build up quickly. It’s a killer way to hit both your arms hard, while keeping the session short but sweet.

Tri-Sets: When Lee Wants to Burn It Out​

Tri-sets are where the magic happens when Lee wants to burn out a muscle. This method is all about three back-to-back exercises with no rest. It’s intense and brutal, and Lee uses it to push his muscles to the limit, especially for smaller muscle groups like his shoulders or arms.

Tri-sets are great for finishing off a muscle after you’ve done your foundational work. They force you to really push past fatigue and keep your form tight, even as your muscles start to scream for mercy. Lee’s advice here? No matter how tired you get, don’t let your form slip. Maintain that mind-muscle connection and finish strong.

For shoulders, try something like this: Lateral raises, then front raises, and rear delt fly last. Do this for about three sets, and you’ll have a shoulder burn that’ll leave you feeling like you just had a full workout in 10 minutes.

Giant Sets: Lee’s Shock Method for Total Muscle Destruction​

When Lee wants to hit a muscle group hard, especially when he feels like he's at a plateau, he goes to giant sets. A massive set is taking things to the extreme—4 or more exercises back to back, targeting the same muscle group. This style is high-volume and designed to put your muscles into overdrive. Think of it as a shock tactic for muscle growth.

Lee loves giant sets for legs and arms. Why? Because these are the areas that really need the extra push. If you want to feel like your muscles are about to explode, giant sets will do that for you. They’ll also give you that insane pump that leaves you walking out of the gym feeling like you’re bigger than you were when you walked in.

For quads, Lee might go with this: Leg press first, then hack squat, followed by walking lunge, and leg extension last. That’s four exercises, no rest, and you’ll get a serious pump that anything else can’t match. It’s all about pushing your body to break those plateaus.

When to Use Each Method in a Split​

Here’s the deal: each of these methods has its place in your weekly training split. Straight sets are your bread and butter, especially for your heavy compound lifts. Keep those in the early part of the week when you're fresh, and use them for foundational work like squats, deadlifts, and presses.

Supersets and tri-sets are great for your mid-week volume sessions. You’re not as fresh, but you can still push yourself hard, so use these to pump up your muscles without taxing your body too much.

Then, you’ve got your giant sets, which are perfect for those days when you want to shock your muscles into new growth. Lee recommends using giant sets when you’re working on weak points or when you need to deload from the heavier lifting. It’s an advanced bodybuilding technique, and when used properly, it can break through any stagnation.

Lee’s tip? Rotate these methods every few weeks to keep your training fresh. Don’t let yourself get mentally bored with the same routine. Changing things up will not only keep you engaged, but it’ll keep your muscles adapting and growing.

Lee’s Personal Philosophy on Training Intensity​

Here’s something Lee always says: “It’s not about complicating things—it’s about execution and effort.” You can throw all the fancy techniques in the world into your routine, but if you’re not putting in the work, it’s all for nothing. It’s about high volume, keeping that mind-muscle connection, and, most importantly, training like you mean it.

Don’t get caught up in chasing numbers. Lift with intensity, focus, and consistency instead of focusing on the heaviest weight in the gym. Whether you’re doing straight sets, supersets, tri-sets, or giant sets, it’s all about how hard you work and how smart you train.

Frequently Asked Questions​

What’s the difference between straight sets and supersets?

Straight sets involve doing one exercise for a set number of reps, resting, and repeating. Supersets pair two exercises together with minimal rest in between. Supersets are more intense and allow you to get more volume in a shorter time.

How often should I use giant sets in my routine?

Giant sets are a great shock tactic for breaking through plateaus. Use them once or twice a week, especially for weak points or when you need a change of pace from your normal training.

Can tri-sets be used for bigger muscle groups?

While tri-sets are great for smaller muscles like shoulders or arms, you can use them for larger muscle groups as finishers after you’ve done your heavy compound lifts. Just be mindful of your energy levels.