Strong Curves beginner question

kikichewie

I'm in week five, and some of the moves are too easy as written. Like body weight hip thrusts with a pause at the top. I can do 20x3 out of the gate. Or let's say the upper body moves that should be 8-12 reps x3. What about going heavier with fewer reps?

I feel like I am ready for squats and bridges/thrusts with at least a 45 lb bar.

I've been adding weight to some of the bodyweight exercises while keeping the rep count maxed out at 20. Like step ups with a 30 lb bar.

I feel like I've got pretty good form on the ones I want to increase, no excessive DOMS, and my glutes seem to be activating pretty well. On the ones where I have more trouble with the form, like reverse lunges off a bench, I'm not adding any weight.

Thoughts? My goal ultimately is to lift heavier and build strength while at a caloric deficit to lose body fat from 30% to 20%. I've been lifting with compound exercises and barbells for two months, five weeks of that w SC.

tomatoey

Yeah, go for it. Switch to the other program.

jemhh

Absolutely add weight if you're ready. The upper body exercises you are supposed to increase your weight if you hit max reps. I pretty much followed the lower body only program and added upper body to it. That program is essentially 4 weeks ahead of the beginner program.

kikichewie

Yep, I've been adding weight on the upper body as soon as I can do 12 or 12x3. I'm thinking of dropping my rep range down to 5-8 too. The lower body ones w body weight are where I'm getting the most impatient. I'll look at the glute goddess program and maybe switch over.

kikichewie

And if I do drop my rep range to lift heavier, should I maybe add another set?

jemhh

That's entirely up to you. Read Chapter 7. I think that's the one where he gives you a full body template in case you want to change things up.

Keep in mind that SC is a physique focused program not a strength focused program. Obviously there is carryover either way but that is why it lists the higher rep ranges.