CAN I ALTERNATE LIGHT AND HEAVY WEIGHTS?

[MARY1616]

HI, I WAS WONDERING IF I COULD DO A CARDIO AND WEIGHT TAPE WITH LIGHT WEIGHTS(1-5LBS.) AND ON THE NEXT DAY USE HEAVY WEIGHTS? I KNOW THAT I AM SUPPOSE TO REST MY MUSCLES 48HRS., BUT IF THE WEIGHTS ARE LIGHT WOULD IT BE ALRIGHT? THANKS

 

[Shelbygirl]

I think that's perfectly okay to do. In fact, you'll see in several of the rotations on the rotation forum that a weight workout is followed by a circuit (i.e. cario & weights) workout (or visa versa). Just don't work the same body part using heavy/moderate weights two days in a row. Hope that helps.

Shelbygirl

 

[kathryn]

It depends on what your goal is. If you are going for muscle size, then working the same muscle two days in a row, even with lighter weights one day, will be counterproductive. The same goes for strength. If you are more interested in "toning" and endurance, then go for it, as long as you are not overtraining.

 

[trevor]

In my opinion it depends on your goals. I personally think it's counter productive to alternate light and heavy if you are lifting properly and looking for some muscle gains. That's based on the fact that it doesn't work for me and makes me feel overtrained. I'd either go heavy or light first for 4-6 weeks then switch to the other work if you want. I throw light work in every so often because light weight/high reps uses different muscle fiber types than heavy weight/low reps does. You can gain muscle definition from EITHER however, when done correctly.
Again, depends on your goals.
T.