Strength Training quesiton

Three4MeNHim

I just started a strength training routine a couple weeks ago. I'm just wondering if I'm using enough weight. Right now most of my exercises I'm doing 3 sets of 20 reps. Usually it's a little challenging in my last set. Should it be challenging through all 3 sets? Should I be struggling to finish? How do I know when to add more weight? Currently I'm only using 5lbs.

hockeylover13

Hi! It really depends on what exercise youre doing, what else youre doing and what your goal is by doing these exercises. I might be able to help more with this info. I always try to challenge myself and go for more reps ad sets each time and increasing the weight when it gets easy.

celticmedic

It should progressively get harder throughout. You want to be able to be the hardest on the last couple of reps for each set.

misskerouac

It should progressively get harder throughout. You want to be able to be the hardest on the last couple of reps for each set.

Yup.
I do 3 sets and start out at about 8 per set, then once I am able to get around 12 - 15 (depending on the exercise) I up the weight.

Three4MeNHim

Right now I'm following this routine http://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/conditioning-workout-for-women.html

For some of the exercises I have a hard time getting through it, but I push until I do and for others I feel the burn but I don't struggle by any means and I feel like I could have done more.

crazybookworm

It should progressively get harder throughout. You want to be able to be the hardest on the last couple of reps for each set.

^^ This. During my weight sessions, I want my last few reps to be very tough!

celticmedic

for those exercises that are easier with that weight, bump it up a couple pounds and see how it feels. Message me if you feel like it.

Yeller_Sensation

I up the weight by 5-10 lbs on the next set if I could complete the 10th rep of the previous set and bounce right up immediately to play air guitar. Clarification: most of my lifting routines are with free weights and done on an exercise ball.

:flowerforyou:

Three4MeNHim

Thanks!

jzammetti

Maybe you should read New Rules for Lifting for Women. It is a great read and has 6 months of weight lifting workouts built in. I just started and while I am not quite lifting heavy, I am lifting more than I thought I could. The first 4 weeks are 15 rep sets - last 1 or 2 are difficult, but not impossible, the next 4 weeks are heavier weights and fewer reps, next 4 is 8 reps with higher weights. I made it through week 1 feeling accomplished and excited to lift more.