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2002/08/19, 02:41 PM
Hi everyone!! I just started working out again after being away from it for a couple of years. I don't mind challenging my muscles by adding on the weight because I don't "bulk up" quickly. I have a question to those who have been lifting for quite some time...Can you tell me how much weight you lift and what you consider heavy? If someone could tell me what they use for say...shoulders, chest, arms, etc., Also, how often should we be adding on weight and do we ever get to a point where we will meet our maximum and not get any stronger. Sorry so many questions, I'm just so excited about working out again. Thanks!
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2002/08/19, 02:48 PM
Wow what a question! Ok first off welcome back! I know that as a man I have a different idea of what is heavy lifting. A general rule is that if you have a target num of reps to hit say 10 and you only get 8 that is too heavy. If you want to gain weight try to shoot for 6-8 reps per set. As to what weight to use it goes back to what I said before. If your goal is 8 reps and you get 6 somewhat easily, and strain for the last 2 that is the right weight. If you get all 8 easily then you need to add. I do not believe that you can reach a maxium naturally, since strength gains take time. I know that 7 years ago bench pressing 70 lbs was hard, now I am trying to get above 250. So each one is different, try out a few different things to see what is good for you. I hope this helps out
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Life comes by only once....Live it to the fullest!
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2002/12/12, 10:03 AM
I like doing heavy weight too. I like the challenge of seeing how strong I can really get. I have only been working out for a year and a half, but I am a lot stronger than I thought I could ever be. For example, when I started I could only bench press a 45lb bar, but now I can press 115-120lbs. Only about 4 times, but that's still good for me. I used to be stuck on curling 20lb dumbells, but I have worked myself up to the 30 and 35 pounders. I have my good days and my bad days though when my strength just isn't there. I just have to be patient with myself. I keep a log, and I try to increase my weight 2-5 lbs. each week on every set depending on what I did the week before. Sometimes it works sometimes it takes a little longer. You don't want to injure yourself and try to work with a spotter. They will help you EEEK out those last reps that seem impossible. In my opinion, heavy weight is weight that you can't even get one completed on your own. Even if I can do 1 on my own on my max weight, I know there is potential to do 2 next week and on and on..I have been at points where I seemed to not increase, but the trainers here at ft have advised me well, and I am beginning to break through. It's a great feeling. Don't quit pushing. Lots of luck!!
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