Another question about weights

[Rockerchick]

I didn't want to ninja Fiddlefits thread but I had a question that was along the same lines as hers.
I just started using Cathe's workouts when the new series came out (well I did a little before with FitTV). Prior to that I was doing Jari Love's S&L and RTTC. Before doing Jari I did very little squatting or lunging and when I did I used no weight and I would get fatigued very easily. After about a week of doing Jari's workouts I started using 5lb dumbells in each hand for the squats and lunges. Now that I am doing Cathes workouts and seeing her use 35 lbs on leg work makes me feel bad. I am now using my 8s in each hand (total of 16lbs) and sometimes I can go up to 10s in each hand and sometimes I have to go back down to 5s in each hand. Should I feel bad that I can't keep up with the weights she uses? Also, should I invest in a barbell set? Or are dumb bells ok?

Thanks guys

 

[marcy]

Don't feel bad about not being up to Cathe's or Jari's weights. Start out with whatever is comfortable for you and go up from there. Everytime you go up with your weight, you are making strength gains. I usually keep a record of what weights I used for each workout and if I feel I should go up for the next workout, stay the same or go lower. You should always have good form while doing any exercise. I have done Jari's Ripped to the Core and tried to match Jari on everything. Some exercises I do more than her, some less. Everytime you feel like the last few reps are too easy (and can be done with good form), you should go up with your weight. A barbell set would be a good idea but you don't have to. In Jari's Ripped to the Core, I only used dumbbells. Also, in Cathe's Upper Body Pyramid, it is also all dumbbells as well. Sometimes you just feel it a little differently with a barbell. Cathe usually says you can use the dumbbells instead of a barbell.

Marcy

 

[andtckrtoo]

Oh I agree with Marcy. If you're comparing yourself to Cathe, you have some mighty shoes to fill. Look how far you've come already - from no weights to 16 pounds! That's pretty darned impressive!

 

[luvmylabs]

I would never compare myself to Cathe. She has been doing this for a very long time. When you start out with weights, you have to build strength. Once you build a little strength,and the weight you use gets too easy, you can increase your weights. Some people say to keep track of the weight you use and increase by a few pounds every 2-4 weeks. It is like running.. you can't start off running 5 miles, you have to build up to it, running 1 mile, then 2 and so on. It is the same thing with weights.

 

[Rockerchick]

Thanks I knew I was being too critical and wanting too much too soon. I am actually pretty proud of going from no weights to where I am at now.