Technique/form vs weight when bulking

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charlieaulert
charlieaulert Posts: 127 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I’ve been trying heavier weights in the gym, especially over the last few months. As an example, I was doing shoulder press yesterday with 28kg, which I would normally do for around 3 sets of 8… but I don’t necessarily feel it working my shoulders, although it is heavy and difficult enough to lift, especially with the back rest more upright.

I feel as if I could be using my chest quite a bit when doing 28kg. I then dropped to 16kg for a drop set and feel as if this actually works my shoulders much more, although obviously a lot easier to do; maybe I could try 22kg/24kg for a happy medium?

Thinking about dropping weight in the majority of all exercises, I feel as if a lower weight will isolate my muscle(s) better. Maybe I’ll do heavy & lighter weight exercises. Any opinions to this?

Replies

  • cgvet37
    cgvet37 Posts: 1,189 Member
    Form is far more important then weight. Often when people use more weight then they can control, they wind up "cheating". Using other muscles groups to help move the weight, which takes away from isolating whichever muscle group they are trying to work. I only add weight when what I'm doing is too easy. In my opinion, change your routine often.
  • LazSommer
    LazSommer Posts: 1,851 Member
    Form. Don't get hurt.
  • 12by311
    12by311 Posts: 1,715 Member
    I’ve been trying heavier weights in the gym, especially over the last few months. As an example, I was doing shoulder press yesterday with 28kg, which I would normally do for around 3 sets of 8… but I don’t necessarily feel it working my shoulders, although it is heavy and difficult enough to lift, especially with the back rest more upright.

    I feel as if I could be using my chest quite a bit when doing 28kg. I then dropped to 16kg for a drop set and feel as if this actually works my shoulders much more, although obviously a lot easier to do; maybe I could try 22kg/24kg for a happy medium?

    Thinking about dropping weight in the majority of all exercises, I feel as if a lower weight will isolate my muscle(s) better. Maybe I’ll do heavy & lighter weight exercises. Any opinions to this?



    Keep good form.... just as a side note, when you are closer to your 1RM, there will be a breakdown in your form generally - to a "safe extent".
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    Are you talking out that ridiculous expression of 'the burn' that makes you feel like you're working more?
  • SonyaCele
    SonyaCele Posts: 2,841 Member
    form.
  • ShodanPrime
    ShodanPrime Posts: 226 Member
    Form to a point, then weight. A properly executed OHP will work your shoulders.


    Just properly execute it. If you can handle 28kg for 3x8, sounds like you need to go up in weight.
  • Willbenchforcupcakes
    Willbenchforcupcakes Posts: 4,955 Member
    Form always and forever.

    Okay, sometimes on the platform perfect form goes out the window. But no point practising imperfect form in training.
  • kuftae
    kuftae Posts: 299 Member
    For OHP, form is important. There are also variations like a push press that will be more of a full-body exercise and allow you to move more weight. Alternate exercises that engage more muscles can be good is used right. I know I personally do "cheat" curls a lot and focus on the negative.

    No matter what you do, deload for a week or two.
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