light weights everyday? or a few times a week?

LKM667
LKM667 Posts: 13 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
My goal is lean arms. A lot of people recommend light weight and more reps. But how many reps? And what is considered light? Right now I'm working out with 8 pound weights. Also, is it a good idea to do incorporate weights in all my workouts but different weight exercises each time? Or should I only do weights a few times a week? I work out at home, as I can't afford a gym right now. Looking for honest help here, I really have no idea what works and what doesn't, and I know different things work for different people.

Thanks!

Replies

  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,982 Member
    Light weights doesn't "lean" out arms (or any body part for that matter). Leaness comes from calorie deficit. Training with light weights also doesn't strengthen the muscle nor help much with firming them up. If one was to do light weights with high reps, it's specifically for muscle endurance.

    A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness and Personal Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • LKM667
    LKM667 Posts: 13 Member
    I'm not looking to gain muscle. I already have some good muscle there and I am strong. I don't want to lift heavy because of that, also because I can't go to a gym right now and I don't have room in my apartment for a complete weight set. My question is should I incorporate something with weights for every workout, or just a few times a week?
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,982 Member
    Gaining muscle is more than just lifting weights. Calorie intake directly affects it, so if you're in deficit, gaining muscle isn't likely, especially if you're a female.
    Resistance of any type is used for just about any exercise, so make sure it's just challenging to do. If you can do 10 push ups on your toes, then change the angle to help make them more challenging. You DON'T have to incorporate weights each workout, but using too little resistance doesn't do much for "hardening" the muscle so it's firmer. So at least make sure whatever exercise you're doing isn't to easy to complete.

    A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness and Personal Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • tryclyn
    tryclyn Posts: 2,414 Member
    Going to the gym isn't necessary for strength training. Look into "Convict Conditioning", "You Are Your Own Gym", http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2009/12/09/beginner-body-weight-workout-burn-fat-build-muscle/


    and to continue to dispel the other myth
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/977538-halp-heavy-lifting-made-me-supah-bulky
    http://nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/
  • jimmmer
    jimmmer Posts: 3,515 Member
    tbh OP, I don't think that's going to do what you think it is.

    Second a zero-equipment routine like convict conditioning or YAYOG that you can do at home.

    Not trying to be mean, but you are probably not as strong as you think you are and almost everyone can benefit from being stronger. Such training is doubly important whilst you're trying to lose fat tissue.

    A calorie deficit will get you leaner arms (and a leaner body in general) in conjunction with the right training. Make sure you do some intelligent progressive training programme and plenty of protein (roughly 1gm/1lb of bodyweight/day should cover it) to retain your lbm (muscle, bone density, connective tissue, etc) whilst you lose the fat tissue.
  • laurie62ann
    laurie62ann Posts: 433 Member
    You should check out Kelly Coffee-Meyers DVD's on Amazon! I've gain amazing muscle definition right in my own home. I use 8#, 10#, 12#, and 15# hand weights!

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