EM2WL and lifting weights

Dfracassa

To all the people who eat more to weigh less (I'm starting that whole deal right now) -- how much weight do you lift? For a while I was doing 12.5 lbs. in bicep curls, shoulder presses and some other lifts, and 5 lbs. in straight-arm shoulder lifts. I went down to 7.5 lbs. for the first set, for a while (adjustable weights in my basement) but I'm not sure how heavy I should be lifting. Should I keep at the 7.5 lbs. and then move up when it gets too easy? What will give me the best results (and I know it differs from person to person, yes, I know).

Background: 28 years old, 5'7", 162 lbs, goal weight 130-135 (even 140 is suuuuuper fine with me).

RunHardBeStrong

To all the people who eat more to weigh less (I'm starting that whole deal right now) -- how much weight do you lift? For a while I was doing 12.5 lbs. in bicep curls, shoulder presses and some other lifts, and 5 lbs. in straight-arm shoulder lifts. I went down to 7.5 lbs. for the first set, for a while (adjustable weights in my basement) but I'm not sure how heavy I should be lifting. Should I keep at the 7.5 lbs. and then move up when it gets too easy? What will give me the best results (and I know it differs from person to person, yes, I know).

Background: 28 years old, 5'7", 162 lbs, goal weight 130-135 (even 140 is suuuuuper fine with me).

I started with 10 lbs and now up to 40+ lbs upperbody, depending on what I'm doing. Squats and deads are 100+. If you can do more than 8 reps keeping good form then yes up the weights. It should never get "easy" just keep pushing. I'm absolutely sure you will fall in love with the results. If you haven't already then this would be a good time to start progress pictures and measurements as your scale loss will probably slow but inches should start melting! Good luck!

Mia_RagazzaTosta

110# deadlift
60# squat
55# bench press
55# overhead press
60# row

stronglifts 5x5

Dfracassa

I started with 10 lbs and now up to 40+ lbs upperbosy, depending on what I'm doing. Squats and deads are 100+. If you can do more than 8 reps keeping good form then yes up the weights. It should never get "easy" just keep pushing. I'm absolutely sure you will fall in love with the results. If you haven't already then this would be a good time to start progress pictures and measurements as your scale loss will probably slow but inches should start melting! Good luck!

Thank you! I don't have a ton of equipment at home, but I do have a Y membership, so I will start going back there. So I'm going to keep with the 12.5 lb. weights for the bicep curls, shoulder presses and back work for a while, and then move up...maybe in a week or two? I will do progress photos and all that this Monday, as I'm going to start 30DS and just add it to my regular workouts. Thanks again! :-)

now_or_never13

Lift as heavy as you can. Lift heavy enough where after about 8 reps you can't possibly do another one. Once that 8th rep is easier to do, than up the weight by a few lbs. That combined with eating more and having a smaller deficit will allow you to retain your muscle while dropping body fat.

caseythirteen

I don't think it matters what others can do, just what you can do. If you can do your desired reps and sets then add weight. The only way to really improve is to progressively up your weights. Personally, if I can do my reps (either 4x5 or 3x8 depending on the move) 3 times than I up it. Just keep working and pushing yourself!

Dfracassa

Thanks everyone! I am lifting tomorrow, so I will try to push myself more. I appreciate all the input!

berthabunny

Thanks for posting this, I have been wondering the same thing. Please let me know how it goes!! I am starting lifting on March 18th.