Moderate evidence

Doing several sets per exercise produces greater strength gains than doing one.

In practice

One set is enough to keep progressing, but it isn't the amount that maximises it. Where time allows, multiple working sets on the main lifts are the better trade.

What it doesn't say

The advantage of more sets flattens off, and the studies vary widely in how they counted volume in the first place.

Source

• Ralston GW, Kilgore L, Wyatt FB, Baker JS (2017). The effect of weekly set volume on strength gain: a meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 47(12):2585–2601. doi.org/10.1007/s40279-017-0762-7