When should I increase my weights?

hipsdontlie1
hipsdontlie1 Posts: 294 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hey Guys,

So I'm very confused as to when to up my weights... here is the deal:
I do a body pump class at the gym and I'm contemplating increasing my weights. Although, by the end of each track I find it very challenging to finish, although I always do but I will have to push myself very hard. The thing is... I am never sore the next day. I heard with weight lifting you should feel it the next day or your weights are not high enough. I don't want to increase them and not be able to finish the tracks... is it better to have a lower weight and finish the tracks? Or have a higher weight and stuggle, possibly only doing half the track. Let me know what you guys think.. I just find it weird that it is a challenging class but I dont feel sore after?

Replies

  • NNAhuja
    NNAhuja Posts: 669 Member
    From my understanding you up your weights when you don't feel tired anymore. Way to push youself! Keep it up!!
  • bmmelvin
    bmmelvin Posts: 7 Member
    I've always followed the rule that the last few reps should be very difficult while maintaing form. Once I start to lose my form I stop because I don't want to get hurt. Also, you might could as an instructor at the gym. Especially if the observe you doing the exercises.
  • iWaffle
    iWaffle Posts: 2,208 Member
    The thing is... I am never sore the next day. I heard with weight lifting you should feel it the next day or your weights are not high enough.
    That's not entirely true. If you've been doing a specific exercise for a month or more consistently you probably won't be very sore after the exercise. Your body gets used to the stress. You can re-introduce this soreness by adding weight or increasing repetitions. Essentially by doing something your body isn't used to. I wouldn't look to this however to judge how effective your weight load is.

    If you feel the weight is too easy then add a few more pounds and see if you can push yourself further than you thought (with good form of course). If that doesn't work out you can always go back to the lower weight. Increase weight when you are strong enough to increase weight. That's pretty much all there is to it.

    If it helps I'm not usually that sore unless I try out a new routine. I did chest and back last night and I can feel the stress in those muscles but I wouldn't call them "sore". They're more what I would call fatigued. You can tell they've been worked hard but they don't hurt to move or use.
  • iplayoutside19
    iplayoutside19 Posts: 2,304 Member
    You don't have to make yourself sore for a workout to be effective.

    I always try to increase my weights. In other words, if I can do a set, I increace my weight.
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