Question about Reps

sassy15241
sassy15241 Posts: 46 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hello all!
I understand that if you want to tone your muscles you should use lighter weights but do more reps. What is a good set of reps to start with? Any information you can give is greatly appreciated!

Thank you!
Sharon

Replies

  • Timshel_
    Timshel_ Posts: 22,834 Member
    Before all the bro science and anecdotal evidence comes in...Here ya go.
    Best article I have read that sums it up,

    www.fitnflexed.com/the-best-rep-range-for-muscle-growth
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    you don't "tone" muscles, muscle tone makes your muscles feel "firm"

    If you want to work the muscles you have options.

    •1-5 Reps Per Set = Mostly Strength
    •5-8 Reps Per Set = Strength AND Muscle Equally
    •8-10 Reps Per Set = Muscle With Some Strength
    •10-12 Reps Per Set = Muscle With Some Endurance
    •12-15 Reps Per Set = Endurance With Some Muscle
    •15-20 Reps Per Set = Mostly Endurance

    So it depends on what you want to do...I personally prefer 1-5 but recently started going up to 8 for my squats

    http://www.shapesense.com/fitness-exercise/articles/muscle-tone.aspx
  • soozey1
    soozey1 Posts: 102 Member
    My trainer gets me to do 10-15 reps, enough so the sweat is dripping down your back when you finish each set.
    IF you haven't trained before, keep it light and work up.
    Just remember if you cant feel it burn, it really did nothing but waste your time and effort. Compete against yourself. :)
    Hope this helps MFP mate.
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    read this
    http://bretcontreras.com/how-to-attain-a-slender-look-like-jessica-alba-zoe-saldana/


    :laugh: this is like the 3rd time i've posted this today
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    My trainer gets me to do 10-15 reps, enough so the sweat is dripping down your back when you finish each set.
    IF you haven't trained before, keep it light and work up.
    Just remember if you cant feel it burn, it really did nothing but waste your time and effort. Compete against yourself. :)
    Hope this helps MFP mate.

    this isnt necessarily true. if you're doing sets of 5 and below you're not going to feel a burn. for instance this past sunday i benched 125 pounds didnt feel a burn and i can most definitely assure you it wasnt a waste of time or effort.:wink:

    that burn has more to do with acid buildup in the muscle rather than any muscle strengthening and that buildup is a result of doing multiple reps

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