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a little confused

kelly-22 Posts: 5 Joined: 2002/01/13	2002/01/15, 09:31 PM Hi Everybody, I am new to this site and I am trying to lose a little bit of weight and tone up. I started my weight training program on monday. I ended up using the same amount of weight for all my sets. Should I be increasing the weight? I really felt like I was maxed out, and after the third set of every exercise I was really tired out. Thanks.
Philia2 Posts: 4,078 Joined: 2001/10/19	2002/01/16, 02:46 AM Everything is hard in the beginning. Your body has to get use to exercise. Don't worry it'll get easier. No don't use the same weight. If less repetitions then heavier weight. No don't take too heavy in the beginning and if you cannot take heavier than you already did, then try to take less heavy for the very first set. Actually the first set also work as a warm up one. Luck to you! -Nina
rpacheco Posts: 3,770 Joined: 2001/12/13	2002/01/16, 10:19 AM You'll also feel sore the next few days...this is natural. As philia2 stated, go heavier with less repetitions. Welcome to ft and good luck!
Alorle Posts: 196 Joined: 2001/10/07	2002/01/16, 02:43 PM Kelly, I am the same way. I use the same weight for all my reps, and I don't feel I should use lighter weights to start, as they are easy the first set. My muscles are just starting to become used to the weights, and as I do more sets, they become tired. In a couple of weeks, you will be more used to the exercise and form, and will be able to user heavier weights. Give it a week or two, and if you aren't still able to increase the weights, then you may try lowering your start weight. Good luck!
kelly-22 Posts: 5 Joined: 2002/01/13	2002/01/16, 08:47 PM Thanks Everybody! This was very usefull. I think I will keep the weights as is for the first couple of weeks just to get accustomed to the weight. If it's still too difficult I will lower the starting weight. I actually am warmed up because I do cardio before I start the weights. I know some people prefer to deplete their muscles of glycogen stores first by doing the weights, but when I do it the other way around I am too lazy to do the cardio by the time I finish with the weights. In terms of the soreness, believe it or not, I really like this muscle stiffness. It feels like I am actually getting something done!
rpacheco Posts: 3,770 Joined: 2001/12/13	2002/01/16, 11:08 PM We're here to help, Kelly. One other advice, maybe you should work with weights only 3x per week. On the off days (non-weight training days), concentrate on your cardio. Or are you doing cardio everyday? Another way would be to do your cardio in the morning, then work on weights in the afternoon. In any event, your body will soon get used to your workouts and your muscles won't be as sore afterwards. Good luck...
kelly-22 Posts: 5 Joined: 2002/01/13	2002/01/16, 11:57 PM Thanks Rpacheco, My program does suggest weights only three times a week for now. I am currently doing cardio four times a week, and try to do some Pilates or Yoga twice a week, I am also getting a lot more flexible with these workouts and really working on my abs. Unfortunately, I am not much of a morning person! Ha! Ha!
Philia2 Posts: 4,078 Joined: 2001/10/19	2002/01/17, 03:22 AM Hi Kelly don't do more than 10-15 mins of cardio warm up BEFORE your weight training. Otherwise you'll use all your energy for cardio and not have much left for the weights. Especially when you are a beginner. If you don't feel like doing cardio after weight training, then the best choice is to do it another day.
Alorle Posts: 196 Joined: 2001/10/07	2002/01/17, 01:59 PM I agree. Your first set of weights, at the lowest weight you do, warms your muscles up enough to handle the later sets.
kelly-22 Posts: 5 Joined: 2002/01/13	2002/01/17, 06:47 PM Thanks everyone, I will try to separate the two, cardio and weights and see how it goes starting tonight!