I've been working out at the YMCA with my
dad in a body pump class for the past 3
summers, whenever we use hand weights...I
use the 5 lb ones...I've been thinking
about buying a set of my own, and my
sister once told me not to increase the
size of the weights...but just do more
reps of lower weights to help build
muscle. Is this true, or would buying a
set of 5 lb weights eventually be a waste
of money? Thanks!!
|
worrywart01
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 15 May 2008 Posts: 575 Location: ,
Thanks: 51
Thanked:6
Posted: 06-10-08 20:13pm
usually guys do heavier weights with less
reps and mostly women do lighter weights
with more reps for tone, if you feel
capable of increasing the weight of the
weights go for it, if your body gets used
to those 5 lb weights your work out will
be pointless, thats why when you do weight
lifting you increase your weights every
few weeks to challege your muscles more
since they should have become used to the
weights you usually use...a rule of thumb
for usually is you should be able to do at
least 8 reps, if you cant its too heavy,
you shouldn't be able to easily do more
than 12, if you can..the weight is too
light! but I dont know how it goes for men
and weight lifting..my boyfriend usually
does 10 reps of the heaviest weight he can
stand...and does 3 sets...but as for what
your sister said, you should do heavier
weights..if you are capable..dont stay on
the lighter ones or you'll see no growth!
|
Mikolas
Moderator
Joined: 02 Aug 2007 Posts: 596 Location: Buffalo University, Hands off! My trained killer kitten has its aim set upon you!
Thanks: 17
Thanked:1
Posted: 06-11-08 17:46pm
If you are thinking about expense, yes,
buying set weights are useless. Assuming
you actually use it, eventually you will
be too strong to get any benefits out of
that specific weight and will need to
resort to buying another one later on.
If you buy bar bells however, with
variable weights, that may last you quite
a while longer depending on what it is you
intend to do with it.
No, your sister is incorrect, unless 5
pounds is actually difficult for you to do
lets say a bicep curl, you will not
"build" muscle (I assume you mean build by
getting larger in mass) because you need
to cause considerable stress to your
muscles to promote growth.
