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Enough weights?

ATrueladi Posts: 37 Joined: 2003/11/04	2003/11/10, 08:17 PM Hi everyone, I am on my first week of my trainning and am still very excited, but how do I know how much weight I should be using? What should I be feeling by the end of my sets/reps? I don't think I am using enough weight myself but I don't want to over do it either. Like today doing the dumbell flat bench presses I did 4 sets of 12 using 15lbs. I felt like I could do 4 more sets and more reps. So how do I know? Thanks everyone for being here I love this site! Paula
big_j_scf Posts: 308 Joined: 2003/11/08	2003/11/10, 11:17 PM Since it's your first don't worry about ti being too light. If you rush it you will end up in so much pain you can hardly moe...or you could get injured. Take it slow at first, once you progress, you can use more weight. you can eventually use weight so that you reach falure by your desired number of reps. So, if you want to do a set of 12, you would use enough weight so that you couldnot do a 13th rep with good form.
ATrueladi Posts: 37 Joined: 2003/11/04	2003/11/11, 10:15 AM Thanks so much for the info.... And your right a far as the pain I know! It is the next day now and oh my goodness : ) It hurts.... : ) but not to bad. Thanks for the reply Paula
bowers Posts: 179 Joined: 2003/04/13	2003/11/11, 11:51 AM A simple rule of thumb is: If you can complete the desired number of sets and reps with good form then don't be afraid to move up. If you cannot complete the desired number of reps and sets with good form then the weight is too heavy. This is just a general rule I hope it helps. Oh one more general type rule for moving up weight try to moev up 5% upper body and 10% lower body (ie 5lbs per upper 10lbs per lower) Hope this helps good luck.
azredhead57 Posts: 1,651 Joined: 2003/04/11	2003/11/12, 02:25 PM I agree with bowers. If 15# this week felt too light then try 17.5 or 20 next week. Your last few reps of your last set should be difficult for you. -------------- ~Victoria~ ...There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.--Beverly Sills