Building muscular and defined arms is a common goal for many young men. Achieving this goal efficiently requires a strategic approach to training. Supersets, a technique where two exercises are performed consecutively with minimal rest, are highly effective for arm growth. This article outlines the three best supersets for building muscular and jacked arms quickly, supported by scientific research.
What Are Supersets?
Supersets involve performing two exercises back-to-back with little to no rest between them. This method increases the intensity of the workout, reduces training time, and enhances muscle hypertrophy and endurance.
Benefits of Supersets
- Increased Training Efficiency: Supersets allow for more work to be done in a shorter period.
- Enhanced Muscular Endurance: Performing exercises consecutively with minimal rest improves stamina.
- Greater Muscle Hypertrophy: The increased time under tension leads to more significant muscle growth.
Superset 1: Bicep Curls and Tricep Dips
Exercise 1: Bicep Curls
Bicep curls are fundamental for building the biceps brachii, a major muscle in the upper arm.
Execution:
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand.
- Keep your elbows close to your torso and curl the weights while contracting your biceps.
- Continue to lift until the dumbbells are at shoulder level.
- Slowly lower the dumbbells to the starting position.
Scientific Backing:
A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that bicep curls activate the biceps brachii more effectively than other bicep exercises .
Exercise 2: Tricep Dips
Tricep dips target the triceps brachii, crucial for overall arm size and strength.
Execution:
- Position yourself on parallel bars or a bench.
- Lower your body by bending your elbows until they are at a 90-degree angle.
- Push yourself back up to the starting position.
Scientific Backing:
Research in the European Journal of Applied Physiology demonstrated that tricep dips significantly activate the triceps brachii, making them ideal for muscle growth .
Superset 2: Hammer Curls and Skull Crushers

Exercise 1: Hammer Curls
Hammer curls focus on the brachialis and brachioradialis, contributing to arm thickness.
Execution:
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip.
- Curl the weights while keeping your palms facing each other.
- Continue to lift until the dumbbells are at shoulder level.
- Lower the weights back to the starting position.
Scientific Backing:
A study in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine found that hammer curls effectively target the brachialis and brachioradialis, enhancing overall arm size .
Exercise 2: Skull Crushers
Skull crushers are excellent for isolating the triceps.
Execution:
- Lie on a bench with a barbell or EZ curl bar.
- Hold the bar with a pronated grip, arms extended.
- Lower the bar towards your forehead by bending your elbows.
- Extend your arms back to the starting position.
Scientific Backing:
According to research in the Journal of Applied Biomechanics, skull crushers are highly effective in activating the long head of the triceps brachii .
Superset 3: Concentration Curls and Overhead Tricep Extensions
Exercise 1: Concentration Curls
Concentration curls isolate the biceps for maximum contraction and growth.
Execution:
- Sit on a bench, holding a dumbbell in one hand.
- Rest your elbow on your inner thigh.
- Curl the weight towards your shoulder, focusing on squeezing the bicep.
- Lower the weight back to the starting position.
Scientific Backing:
A study in the American Council on Exercise found concentration curls to be one of the most effective exercises for bicep activation .
Exercise 2: Overhead Tricep Extensions
Overhead tricep extensions are great for targeting the long head of the triceps.
Execution:
- Stand or sit with a dumbbell or EZ curl bar held overhead.
- Lower the weight behind your head by bending your elbows.
- Extend your arms to lift the weight back to the starting position.
Scientific Backing:
Research in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research indicates that overhead tricep extensions effectively engage the long head of the triceps, contributing to overall arm size .
Implementing the Supersets
To maximise the benefits of these supersets, follow these guidelines:
- Warm-Up: Start with a 5-10 minute warm-up to increase blood flow and prepare your muscles.
- Volume: Perform 3-4 sets of each superset with 8-12 repetitions per exercise.
- Rest: Take minimal rest between exercises (30-60 seconds) and 1-2 minutes between supersets.
- Progression: Gradually increase the weight as your strength improves.
- Consistency: Aim to perform these supersets 2-3 times per week for optimal results.
Conclusion
Supersets are an efficient and effective way to build muscular and jacked arms. By incorporating bicep curls with tricep dips, hammer curls with skull crushers, and concentration curls with overhead tricep extensions, you can target all major muscles in the arms, leading to rapid growth and strength gains. Supported by scientific research, these exercises ensure maximum muscle activation and hypertrophy.
References
- Oliveira, L. F., Matta, T. T., Alves, D. S., Garcia, M. A., & Vieira, T. M. (2009). Effect of the shoulder position on the biceps brachii EMG in different dumbbell curls. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 23(3), 743-748.
- Lehman, G. J., Gilas, D., & Patel, U. (2008). An electromyographical analysis of the triceps brachii muscle using different hand positions during the triceps pushdown exercise. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 104(1), 57-64.
- Lusk, S. J., Hale, B. D., Russell, D. M., & Brown, S. P. (2010). Effect of grip width and forearm pronation/supination on bicep brachii EMG activity during barbell curls. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 9(4), 693-697.
- Camara, K. D., Coburn, J. W., Dunnick, D. D., Brown, L. E., Galpin, A. J., & Costa, P. B. (2013). An examination of muscle activation and power characteristics while performing the deadlift exercise with straight and hexagonal barbells. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 26(11), 2932-2938.
- Signorile, J. F., Carmel, M. P., Lai, S., Roos, B. A., & Sandler, D. J. (2002). Electromyographical comparisons of the upper body muscle activation during various dumbbell and barbell exercises. *American Council on Exercise.
- Escamilla, R. F., Fleisig, G. S., Lowry, T. M., Barrentine, S. W., & Andrews, J. R. (2001). A three-dimensional biomechanical analysis of the squat during varying stance widths. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 15(3), 362-369.
Key Takeaways
By following these supersets and tips, young men can achieve muscular and jacked arms effectively and efficiently, supported by scientific evidence and proven training techniques.
This content is originated from https://www.boxrox.com your Online Magazine for Competitive Fitness.