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What is more important?

beef-up Posts: 18 Joined: 2004/07/26	2004/08/20, 02:30 PM What is more important the ammount of reps or the ammount of weightthat is lifted. I'm new to working out and I am not sure of what would be better. To use more weight and do fewer reps or less weight and do more reps.
davisp Posts: 313 Joined: 2002/10/26	2004/08/20, 02:45 PM Both are very important since they work in combination. I am not sure what your goals are. Do you want to lose weight or gain muscle mass? Are you happy with where you are with your muscles? As far as reps and weight. If you are trying to gain mass, you want to lift heavy enough to complete reps usually below 10. I do most sets 20/8/6/4 or 16/6/5/4 on a regular basis (excluding shocking methods). For strength or cutting, you can increase those above 10 reps per set (i.e. 16/14/12/10). My suggestion would be for you to use one of the FT programs. Based off your goals, your reps will be chosen for you. Just choose a weight heavy enough that you hit failure at the target. Make sure you are able to keep strict form with that weight. -------------- Seeking out motivation does not motivate you to seek out results. - Paul Post mark - AugustWW - Post mark
beef-up Posts: 18 Joined: 2004/07/26	2004/08/20, 02:57 PM I want to gain muscle mass. The reason I asked this question is that I have a hard time with form, so I want to do what is the safest. I don't have a workout buddy so I don't want to get hurt.
princesslodgey Posts: 1,748 Joined: 2004/02/21	2004/08/20, 04:38 PM I would go for lower weight until you are happy with form, then go to lower reps.
DanielJLove Posts: 320 Joined: 2004/03/30	2004/08/20, 05:08 PM In lies the rub. Use the heaviest weight that you can use while completing the number of reps you want to complete and maintaining proper form. If you lose your form, drop the weight down. Daniel
davisp Posts: 313 Joined: 2002/10/26	2004/08/20, 09:22 PM beef-up, I'd go with what princess said then. You need to start light and get used to the form. Take a light weight and complete full reps without any type of cheating movements. Contract at the very end of the movement for a full 2 seconds. Bring the weight fully back to the starting position stretching the muscle you are working. Once you have that down safely, then move up in weight. Good luck! :big_smile: -------------- Seeking out motivation does not motivate you to seek out results. - Paul Post mark - AugustWW - Post mark
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2004/08/20, 10:31 PM Hypertrophy has been repeatedly shown to be in the 9-12 rep range. Choose your weights that allow you to fail at the end of this rep range. Remember, the object is to "feel" the muscle, not how much weight you can do or how many reps you can pump out. We are bodybuilders, our mantra is building maximum muscle size. Leave your ego at the door. -------------- If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.... bb1fit@freetrainers.com
davisp Posts: 313 Joined: 2002/10/26	2004/08/21, 11:28 AM bb1fit said it best :). They need to have ego detectors at the door. -------------- Seeking out motivation does not motivate you to seek out results. - Paul Post mark - AugustWW - Post mark
beef-up Posts: 18 Joined: 2004/07/26	2004/08/24, 12:44 PM Thanks guys. This helps.:)
Reckin007 Posts: 56 Joined: 2004/06/22	2004/08/24, 06:44 PM and make sure to workout your legs or you'll end up looking like 75% of the people in my gym at school...a giant fudgsicle! haha