low weight/more reps vs. higher weight/fewer reps

icimani

I'm just curious about people's opinions.

I'm female and have about 85 more pounds to lose to get to my goal - in the past 4 years or so I've lost about 115 lbs so I'm more than half -way to my goal. But this past winter I had to have both knees replaced due to arthritis. Physical therapy included low weights, 2 sets of 10-12 reps several times a day. I was religious about doing the exercises even after I was done with the official PT and it has paid off. I'm back to pre-surgery weights for my hamstrings (90lbs), but only about half-way there for the quads (40-45lbs). It is getting better, but r-e-a-l-l-y slowly.

Because of the PT regimen I've been doing the seated leg extensions every day. But I'm wondering if I should move to lighter weights and do more reps, or stay with the higher weights and move to every other day or so.

Any ideas?

imchicbad

I would rather do more reps at a good weight or in between, untill it becomes easy then move up in weights.

DopeItUp

Talk to a doctor or a PT, it sounds like you have unique circumstances.

Helloitsdan

The pump or sarcoplasmic hypertrophy is useless unless you have proper nutrients.
So lets say you are eating 20% above TDEE and you are doing high reps with medium weights, youll add some volume to your mass.
However that volume wont be quite that strong and once the nutrients are gone youll "Deflate" so to speak.

Lift heavy.

Find your 1 rep max and start at 50% of that weight.
Do 5x5 work using the big 5.

Deadlift
Squat
Bench press
Military press
Rows

By working heavy you will help retain lean mass while cutting calories.
After you have a year or so under your belt of lifting, start messing around with different hypertrophy routines to find the best for you.

McBully4

I agree talk to your doctor/PT. My grandfather had both knees replaced, he is 89 so his exercise is going to the mailbox.