When i go to the gym and do a load of sets of... say... bicep curls...
whats the difference in overall development/stength if i do
a) light warm up then go for heavest weight i can lift to do like 8 reps. then take off a couple of kg, then do another set. this would be done till i done like 7-10 sets and i end up struggling with just the bar by the end of it! * (see below)
b) sometimes i start with just hte bar, then add a couple of kg, basically (a) reversed. i don't do this much.
c) 12 x 8 x 4. This was recommened to me by a friend. it's only 3 sets, but you do 12 reps of a pretty heavy weight, 8 reps with heavier weight, then 4 reps of heaviest you can do.
d) finally what about doing just a 'medium' kinda weight, 8-10 reps, then slowly building up to you maximum (as opposed to starting with just the bar).
* = i usually do this (a) for most things. that way i get to gauge what my max lift is and also work the muscle like hell.
so, what's the real difference in these strategies? i know there are loads more i have read lots about them in my books.
cheers