Question concerning sets/reps

[danipower0204]

Just a question about my sets and reps. Wanted to know what everyone does in this sort of situation.
Whenever I do certain lifts, something like military press, I do a weight I can do 8-12 reps, but thats usually only on the first set. I rest adequate time (90-120 secs), and then go again for set 2, but reps usually decrease, and same for the third set.
What I've been doing is something Chad Waterbury apparently says, it's reps that count, and I've been following that, so whenever I do 12 reps on set 1, and then say, 8 reps on set 2, I do another 4 reps after some rest, and the same for set 3.
I just can't seem to keep the reps consistent for all three sets. Is this normal, or should I do something differently?

Any advice, or anything you guys do?

[xfactor0756]

Well i usually do 4 sets and i 12,10,8,and 4 rep them

[danipower0204]

with the same weight?

[xfactor0756]

no i go up each set.

[kitarpyar]

Originally Posted by danipower0204

I just can't seem to keep the reps consistent for all three sets. Is this normal, or should I do something differently?

Normal, if you are lifting your max for that # of reps in the first set. If you want to force the same # of reps in each set, consider finishing the later sets rep-pause style. But it will be brutal.

[moto9101]

I had that same problem. This is what i did to get past that which was the 5x5 deal. 5 reps and do 5 sets. I use to be able to bench 225 the first set 8 times and never could get 8 reps for my 2nd and 3rd sets, 3x8 = 24 total reps when you do 5x5=25 reps and it`s not as bad. Worked for me and i was able to increase my incline bench from 185 max to 275 so it really worked. I would do 5x5 for 2 weeks then switch back to lighter weight 3x8 for 2 weeks just so i didn't get use to it. Funny is when you switch back after do 5x5 i was able to do a little more weight then i use to be able to without a problem. Give it a try.