If you’re short on time, using drop sets on a smart machine can build your arm muscles just as well as traditional lifting — you just need to spend less time doing it.

Scientific Claim

Drop-set resistance training using the Tonal 1 device achieves similar muscle growth to traditional training but in less time, making it a viable alternative for individuals seeking time-efficient workouts.

Original Statement

“Elbow flexor hypertrophy was practically equivalent between conditions ... however, the novel drop set training protocol resulted in significantly greater muscle growth per unit of training time.”

From study:Investigating the Effect of the Tonal Drop Set Mode On Elbow Flexor Hypertrophy

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

appropriately stated

Study Design Support

Design supports claim

Appropriate Language Strength

probability

Can suggest probability/likelihood

Assessment Explanation

While the design supports causal inference, the blinding uncertainty and the need to balance statistical and practical findings warrant cautious language. 'Viable alternative' reflects probability without overstatement.

More Accurate Statement

“Drop-set resistance training using the Tonal 1 device likely achieves similar muscle growth to traditional training but in less time, making it a viable alternative for individuals seeking time-efficient workouts.”

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Investigating the Effect of the Tonal Drop Set Mode On Elbow Flexor Hypertrophy

Randomized Controlled Trial

Human

The study found that using the Tonal 1’s drop-set mode built almost the same amount of arm muscle as traditional workouts, but did it faster—so you get similar results in less time.

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Investigating the Effect of the Tonal Drop Set Mode On Elbow Flexor Hypertrophy

Score: 66

DOI: 10.51224/SRXIV.659

Similar Assertions

It doesn’t matter if you use a fancy machine or dumbbells — what matters more is whether you do regular sets or drop sets.

86%

Even with fancy machine tech that automatically lowers weights, drop sets don’t make your arms grow more than regular lifting — the machine doesn’t give you an edge.

83%

Drop sets on the Tonal machine let you finish your workout faster because you don’t rest as long between sets — so you get more muscle growth for every minute you spend lifting.

82%

Even though drop sets don’t build much more muscle overall, they do it faster — you get the same tiny muscle gain in less time, which is great if you’re short on workouts.

80%