Straight Sets vs. Building up to a Max

[cunholz]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if people reckon there is a difference between "straight sets" work as opposed to using a wave system where an individual works up to something maximal or "heavy" for the day, performs one set, then moves on (or perhaps performs a few reps at a reduced intensity).

If there is a difference, when is one method more appropriate to use than the other? Also, does it depend on what kind of work you're doing e.g. snatch vs. squats?

The research ive read about this topic is very unclear (as are the reasons that many of the "big names" give for recommending one approach over the other) and mainly use untrained participants, so I was wondering what peoples "real world" experiences are/have been.

Thanks in advance

Cedric