The Claim

In trained women undergoing 24 weeks of resistance training, performing 20 sets per muscle group per week was associated with smaller improvements in muscle strength and size compared to lower-volume programs (5–10 sets), suggesting that excessive training volume may be less effective for hypertrophy and strength gains.

Source: Evidence for an Upper Threshold for Resistance Training Volume in Trained Women

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
32score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Correlation
1 study reviewed
In plain English

If women who already work out do too many sets each week, they might gain less muscle and strength than if they did fewer sets.

See the scientific wording

In trained women undergoing 24 weeks of resistance training, performing 20 sets per muscle group per week was associated with smaller improvements in muscle strength and size compared to lower-volume programs (5–10 sets), suggesting that excessive training volume may be less effective for hypertrophy and strength gains.

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Evidence for an Upper Threshold for Resistance Training Volume in Trained Women

    The study found that women who did more sets per week didn’t get stronger or more muscular than those who did fewer sets—doing too much might actually be less effective.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.