Any ideas?

[RhiannonW]

When I do PS Strong Legs and Abs, I sweat. My legs are the strongest(at least I think) of my body parts. I did all of PS Chest/Shoulders/Triceps and Back/Biceps/Abs and didn't break a sweat. I struggled on most of the exercises, so I think I had a good weight for me. Any ideas why the Legs tape is so hard and the upper body work is not?

Also, doing a total body weight workout twice a week, how long before I can expect some definition? I'm carrying 5 pounds of fat to lose.

Lastly, I think I know the answer here, but want some other input. If I'm trying to increase muscle mass and if I'm really struggling to complete my last few repititions, is it better to stop at 10 versus 12 rep's; do the 12 rep's but don't do the full range of motion; or use less weight and do the 12(or maybe more) rep's?

Thanks everyone.

 

[Aquajock]

Hi, Rhiannon!

Re question #1: I too always sweat when I do leg work, regardless of whether or not I've upped the weight loads or duration of the leg work. I believe the reason is that the leg muscles and the gluteal muscles that are being recruited are quite large, thus there is a LOT of muscle mass that's generating heat through the friction of muscular contraction . . . the more core heat being generated, the more you're body's going to need to sweat to cool off.

Re Question #2: I don't know that there's any set timetable at which everyone can expect to start seeing muscle definition, which of course is a combination of mass development AND maintenance or reduction of fat stores. If you haven't seen some discernible results (to the touch or to the eyes) after about 6-8 weeks of consistent training, it may be time to shake up your routine, which might include upping your weight loads. I'm not sure how you arrived at the figure of 5 pounds of fat to lose, so I'll just suggest you continue to try to challenge yourself in terms of weight loads and duration of workouts. Remember the training effect: you strengthen up very quickly, and you need to constantly challenge your muscles!

Re Question #3: There are several ways you can approach this. I personally am not in favor of dropping your weight loads at the outset so that you can complete all repetitions, nor am I in favor of reducing your range of motion just for the sake of getting through your set. What you can do is get through the set as much as possible with the heavier weight loads, going to momentary muscle almost-failure (but of course, while maintaining proper form and ROM), take a tiny breather, and then complete the set with the heavier weights OR pick up moderately lighter weights and bang out as many reps as you can with those. If you are really struggling, as you say, that actually is what will promote mass development, as long as you take proper rest between workout bouts.



Hope this helps -

Annette Q. Aquajock