overview
‘Total rep’ is a unique set and rep structure used on some exercises, in some programs. The first set will indicate the total number of reps to be completed. Perform as many sets as required to complete the total rep number. Once the total number of reps is completed, the exercise is completed and no more sets should be performed.
For example, an exercise might indicate 40 total reps should be performed and 6 sets are displayed. On Set 1 you manage 15 reps with the indicated weight. Subtract 15 from 40 leaves you with 25 reps to go. Set 2 you manage 12 reps. That leaves 13. Set 3 you get 8, leaving 5. Set 4 you do the 5 reps, (then you do 1 more because, you could; and if you are going to do a set, you might as well do a good set). Now you move onto the next exercise, ignoring Set 5 and Set 6 altogether.
Total rep exercises will typically display more sets than are necessary to complete the total reps. This is only done to make sure there is room to record all the sets you might need to use. If you need to do more sets than is provided, then something went wrong. You failed to achieve the total rep goal and should move onto the next exercise. Do not keep doing more sets.