Article

Blow Up Your Biceps With Supersets

Topic: Fitness and ExerciseFeaturing John S. HowardPublished September 20, 2007

Legacy signals

Archived popularity: 7,729 legacy viewsImported historical SelfGrowth signal; not blended with current reader activity.

Archived rating: 4/5 from 2 legacy votesImported historical vote signal; separate from signed-in SelfGrowth ratings.

Reader rating

Not enough ratings yet

Aggregate average appears after enough eligible reader ratings.

Rate this resource

Sign in to rate this resource.

Sign in to rate this resource

Supersetting involves performing one exercise; and then, without any rest, performing a second exercise that works a similar or opposing muscle group. Only after performing both exercises in sequence do you rest for a couple of minutes. Then you perform your next superset. In Pumping Iron, Arnold Schwarzenegger talks about how great the muscle pump feels. The muscles fill with blood and all and become very hard, swollen and much larger.nn"The greatest feeling you can get in a gym or the most satisfying feeling you can get in a gym is the pump. Let's say you train your biceps. Blood is rushing into your muscles and that's what we call the pump. Your muscles get a really tight feeling like your skin is going to explode at any minute. It's really tight. It's like somebody blowing air into your muscle. It just blows up and it feels different. It feels fantastic...."nnSupersetting a biceps exercise with a triceps exercise will give you, without doubt, the most incredible pumped sensation that you'll ever experience. Your arms will blow up like balloons. To prove this to yourself take a look in the mirror before and after your superset workout, and take before- and after-workout arm measurements. I also like to tap on my arms as I'm going along to gauge the hardness of my pump and effectiveness of my workout.nnGive these supersets a try. The first four I listed involve supersetting a biceps exercise with a triceps exercise. The last one involves supersetting two triceps exercises. But since the triceps make up 2/3 of your arm mass, it makes sense to do a little extra for your triceps -- plus it's a killer combination.nnseated dumbbell curlnnarrow-grip barbell bench pressn2-3 supersets of 5-10 repsnnE-Z barbell preacher curlnpulley pushdownn2-3 supersets of 5-10 repsnnE-Z barbell concentration curlnparallel bar dipsn2-3 supersets of 5-10 repsnnincline-bench dumbbell curlnlying dumbbell extension (holding one dumbbell with both hands)n2-3 supersets of 5-10 repsnntriceps dips between benchesndumbbell pullover (holding one dumbbell with both hands)n2-3 supersets of 5-10 repsnnNote: I've always done the biceps exercise first in the superset, but it might be interesting to change it up by doing the triceps exercise first.nnThese supersets have worked for me over the years to put some decent size on my arms. You can design your own supersets by alternating two of your favorite biceps/triceps exercises. Just keep in mind that when you're going back and forth between two different exercises, other lifters may show up at any moment and unload your barbell, steal your dumbbells, etc. Therefore it is wise to set up the two exercises close to one another. That way it's easy to jump in and say, "Hey, I've still got a couple more sets on that."

Article author

About the Author

John S. Howard is a competitive powerlifter with a B.I.S. Degree in English, communication and physical education. He has written numerous newspaper articles and articles for the web. His best lifts include a 480 lb squat, 325 lb bench press and a 525 lb deadlift all done in the USPF. As a teenager, Howard competed in four bodybuilding shows placing 1st in the Teenage Mr. Northern Utah. Check out his website: http://www.muscle-head.com

Further reading

Further Reading

4 total

Article

Carrying excess weight doesn’t just affect how you look — it can quietly reduce your energy, confidence, and bedroom performance. When a man gains too much belly fat, it can lead to lower testosterone levels, poor blood circulation, and reduced stamina. These changes may make it harder to maintain strong vitality, control, and endurance when it matters most. The good news? Small lifestyle changes can make a powerful difference. By focusing on better nutrition, regular mov

March 10, 2026

Article

Are You 40+ And Feeling…rnSlower metabolism? Stubborn belly fat? Low daily energy? Body stiffness or joint pain? You’re not alone — and you’re NOT “getting old.” Your body just needs a smarter strategy. Introducing The 40+ Fitness & Wellness ResetrnA simple, realistic system designed specifically for men and women over 40 who want to: ✅ Burn belly fat naturallyrn✅ Rebuild lean musclern✅ Boost energy levelsrn✅ Improve heart healthrn✅ Feel confident again

February 18, 2026

Article

Feel tired, inconsistent, or stuck on your fitness journey? This eBook is your gentle reset. rnMany people above 40 notice that weight gain, tiredness, and body weakness no longer respond to the things that worked before. rnThe truth is: the body changes with age, and health routines must change too. rnI recently came across a digital health guide on Selar, created specifically for people 40+, focusing on simple daily habits that fit our lifestyle. rnI shared the details here

February 14, 2026

Article

Movement is one of the most honest forms of self-connection. The body never lies. It holds stress, records emotion, and reveals when something feels off. For many, this is why exercise has always been more than fitness; it’s therapy through motion. But not all movement heals. Some styles exhaust, others distract. True healing often begins in the slow, intentional kind, the kind that lets the body lead and the mind follow.rnThat’s where precision-based training, such as re

November 6, 2025