Increase or decrease?
So I have a question. Right now when I lift weights I’m doing 3 set of 10 and I increase the weight with each set. I’m not trying to go for the body builder look, just tone up. I’m trying to use the heaviest weights I can because I want to increase my strength too. I feel really wimpy using the 5lbs weights. I’m thinking I might need to do something different since I’m not getting as toned as quickly as I’d like. Should I just stick to light and do more reps?
June 18, 2007 at 11:34 am
i think you need to increase the weight to become more stronger.. light weight and doing more reps i think is more for the toning and maintaining… your not going to become a bodybuilder over night… it takes time and lots of protein…
June 18, 2007 at 1:05 pm
tone > increase reps (not that much since you want the benifit of both tone/str)
you should probly go do a cycle of high reps (15-20) for tone
then
cycle of low reps (4-5) for str. This is so you wont gain the bulk.
June 18, 2007 at 2:02 pm
Thanks for the help guys!
June 18, 2007 at 3:16 pm
This is from the female bodybuilding section in the forums. Might have some useful tips for you
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=290201
June 18, 2007 at 8:41 pm
Your Not Going To Get the Bodybuilder Look! You don not have enough Testosterone in you, like a Male does.
"Most" women have to use some sort of "supplement" to get the Hard Fitness to Bodybuilder Look!
You need to go with the 3 set 8 reps and when you can get 12 reps move up in weight. You will be working towards a "Figure Model" Body.
You have a Great Base to work with for it! Best Wishes and Great Choice to Work Out!
:)
June 19, 2007 at 6:14 am
I’m no expert, but it sounds like you’re working hard and doing the right thing. Keep plugging away consistently and the results will definitely come. I think we all need to be reminded of that sometimes - especially me since I tend to discourage easily. Thanks for your encouragement the other day, and hope my words encourage you.
June 19, 2007 at 9:25 am
One other thing to remember "tone" is a lot of what you eat too. You need to eat right to be lean, the way you train is secondary in this case. Good training to you.
June 19, 2007 at 5:09 pm
UP the weight girl! I only let me clients use 5 lbs for the first week. You are stronger than you realize. Go for the 8 lbs. Also, using three sets with 10 reps is old school to some. You might want to try to use just one set at the max weight (try
doing as many reps as you can until you "break form". Then your goal is to do one more the next workout. It sounds easy but I can assure you that it works. I ditto Jedi–diet is everything. Be sure to get some protein in 30mins to 1 hr after you work out (even if just a protein bar or shake). That is very important. You are doing great! Keep it up! Please keep me posted on your progress.
June 19, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Like the people above have said, go for increasing the weight. I think too many gals worry they’ll get bulky and big if they go heavy, but really that takes time and a lot more work than just bumping the weights at first. Keep the diet in check, get a spotter to help you on those last sets, and get the body you want!
June 21, 2007 at 5:28 pm
It’s pretty darn simple actually: whatever it takes to totally (TOTALLY) fatigue the specific muscle you are working. Too many people get caught up in reps and how much weight they are moving…..concentrate and feel every rep regardless of the weight, and continue on until you feel the burn in that muscle. Trust me, try this type of workout for two weeks and you’ll see a difference across the board….more muscle and more strength.
June 21, 2007 at 11:41 pm
Personally to ‘Tone’ i would never drop below 10-12 reps on any sets that you do. Cardio will help too. Remember you gotta have some muscle there in the first place to tone up!!! luckily you have!
June 22, 2007 at 1:21 am
increasing the weight would be the ticket you wont get massive just lifting heavier but it will do your strength a world of good and it will tone those muscles well with the deviation in training.
good luck bull.dogz
June 22, 2007 at 8:56 am
Thanks everyone!