How often do you increase weight?
lovtolaff
Posts: 65 Member
I know this has probably been asked before and heck maybe I've even asked it before...but I can't seem to find anything.
After not lifting for several months, I finally jumped back in. I started pretty low - I have a 20ish pound bar and I think I might have started with 20lbs worth of weights for most lifts. I'm up to 25 lbs as I don't increase weights by 5 lbs, I use the 1.25 or 2.5 lbs.
I haven't been increasing my weight each time I lift though - my OHP still feel pretty heavy to me even at such a low weight. (My numbers sound so wimpy compared to some I've seen on here!)
Do you increase your weights each time you lift? For example: if you lift Monday at 20 lbs on squats and bench presses, will you increase that # on Wednesday? What I've been doing is lifting at a certain weight for say a couple of days (Monday/Wednesday) and then on Friday add some to it.
I hope this makes sense? Help.
Thanks!
After not lifting for several months, I finally jumped back in. I started pretty low - I have a 20ish pound bar and I think I might have started with 20lbs worth of weights for most lifts. I'm up to 25 lbs as I don't increase weights by 5 lbs, I use the 1.25 or 2.5 lbs.
I haven't been increasing my weight each time I lift though - my OHP still feel pretty heavy to me even at such a low weight. (My numbers sound so wimpy compared to some I've seen on here!)
Do you increase your weights each time you lift? For example: if you lift Monday at 20 lbs on squats and bench presses, will you increase that # on Wednesday? What I've been doing is lifting at a certain weight for say a couple of days (Monday/Wednesday) and then on Friday add some to it.
I hope this makes sense? Help.
Thanks!
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Replies
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If you are doing SL and have managing to keep good form doing all your reps, you should move up 2.5 lbs. each workout.1
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^^ with that said though, i often don't. or didn't. i do what wendler tells me now that i'm not on sl anymore, but back when i was on sl, i didn't increase the weight if i didn't feel i was ready for it. i figured nobody's the boss of me lifting but me, so ultimately i get to do what i want.
the guideline for any lifting is meant to be ' . . . while maintaining good form'. so if you don't feel you can handle an increase for ohp yet without sacrificing form, you don't have to. alternative ways of keeping the challenge progression going include doing an extra set at your current weight, or adding an extra rep to your sets.4 -
I've stopped increasing every workout now the lifts are more challenging.i usually go a few weeks then move up. Apart from ohp, I can be at the same weight for a couple of months.2
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Thank you guys for your insight. It makes so much sense to not go up on something (right now that would be OHPs) if I'm already struggling with the current weight. Crazy but I didn't even think about doing an extra set or adding extra reps with current weight. That is one reason I love this board.
And it makes me feel better that someone else doesn't go up every workout and that I'm not doing something wrong. I've done pretty good at increasing every couple/three workouts but I too feel that the heavier the weight gets, the harder it will be to increase every time. Thanks again!4 -
I haven't gone up in OHP since week 2. I also stay at the same weight for squats for a couple workouts now that I'm squatting over 100 lb. Good form is more important than increasing weight every time.4
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canadianlbs wrote: »the guideline for any lifting is meant to be ' . . . while maintaining good form'. so if you don't feel you can handle an increase for ohp yet without sacrificing form, you don't have to. alternative ways of keeping the challenge progression going include doing an extra set at your current weight, or adding an extra rep to your sets.
As many of the ladies have stated consistency, form and progression is the key to lifting. There are different forms of progression...adding sets/reps is another form that is used in other great programs...even if you add 1/4 lb, that is still progression.
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I know there are some who use fractional weights to help with increasing loads.
Any thoughts? Links to those anyone?0 -
I know there are some who use fractional weights to help with increasing loads.
Any thoughts? Links to those anyone?
Haven't used them yet but they are a good deal and reviews are positive!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XNCRLA4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_sUbWybQXCCWB41 -
"I know there are some who use fractional weights to help with increasing loads.
Any thoughts? Links to those anyone? "
I love 2.5 lb fractional weights.
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rhileyschubbygranny wrote: »
I love 2.5 lb fractional weights.
I have access to the 2.5 lbs too and implement those frequently to my squat and Deads. The smaller fractionals are not anywhere around here at a reasonable price.
My bench press and OHP are pitiful and a 5 lb increase (2.5 x 2) at once just doesn't happen. Hopefully, the shared information may benefit those of us who need a smaller increase.
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jenxbowers wrote: »I know there are some who use fractional weights to help with increasing loads.
Any thoughts? Links to those anyone?
Haven't used them yet but they are a good deal and reviews are positive!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XNCRLA4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_sUbWybQXCCWB4
Thank you!1 -
I'm just finishing up my third week. I've been increasing as per the program, but am staying at my squat weight for this next session to improve range and form, and my OHP will stay the same, as I'm really struggling to get it up every time.
So I think what I'm saying is that everyone is going to be different. So increase as *you* feel safe and like you're doing it correctly. 1
This discussion has been closed.