I've been working out 4-6 times per week for the last 14 months, mostly with the Firm and recently (just 3 weeks) with Cathe. I've been able to increase my weights on several exercises, both lower and upper body, EXCEPT for biceps. I cannot seem to lift heavier than 8 pound dumbells, and even that is too heavy sometimes. I've tried to use 10 pounds for a couple of reps but always have to go back to 8 because I get a pain (not a burning) in the bicep. Is it possible that some muscles in some people just don't get stronger? I have been using PUB at least 1 time per week (for the last 3) and have just recently purchased the remaining Intensity series, preordered the Body Blast Series, and have Slow & Heavy on the way. Any thoughts or recommendations? Thanks in advance!
Gaining Strength
- Thread starter dlp252
- Start date
Carol122201
Cathlete
Hang in there, Donna! It will come! I'm also a Firm to Cathe convert, and I had to back off on my biceps weight at first. Cathe does WAY more reps and work with biceps than any Firm or FitPrime tape (and I had them all!!), and slowly I've worked my way back up, and have now bypassed my previous highest weight when I used the Firm. It takes time, but it WILL happen for you!! Welcome to the Cathe crowd!!! You will soon love her, and want ALL the tapes!!
Carol
Carol
Carol122201
Cathlete
Anytime!! I don't know if you do this already, but what I've found really useful is to keep a notebook with specific exercises on each tape, and write down which weight I used. That way, I can refer back to the notebook when I do that particular tape again, and see where I was comfortable last time. It's also a great way to see your own progression as you're able to go up in weight! I'm even putting it into my computer this week so I can more easily track it. There's nothing more motivating to me than seeing my progress written down. Hope this helps!!
Carol
I don't know if you do this already, but what I've found really useful is to keep a notebook with specific exercises on each tape, and write down which weight I used. That way, I can refer back to the notebook when I do that particular tape again, and see where I was comfortable last time. It's also a great way to see your own progression as you're able to go up in weight! I'm even putting it into my computer this week so I can more easily track it. There's nothing more motivating to me than seeing my progress written down. Hope this helps!!Carol
Carol122201
Cathlete
Wow neat, Beth! Where, may I ask, did you find weights in one pound increments? I can think of lots of places where that would be really helpful, especially at higher weights. Thanks in advance!
Carol
Carol
kathryn
Cathlete
Try doing assisted concentration curls with the 10"weights. Do as many reps as you can, then when you reach concentric failure (you can't lift the dumbbell up another time with good form), use the free hand to help support the weight on the way up (put the hand behind the wrist and only use as much assistance as necessary and only when necessary). Lower slowly under your own power. Do this for 2 more reps than you can do without assistance. Be sure to do the same number of reps on each side. Each time you do this, try to "help" a little bit less.
Carol122201
Cathlete
Thanks!!
Carol122201
Cathlete
Hi Lisa and thanks!! I just ordered the Body Blast series on video - had to wait for pay day - LOL!! I can't wait to get them!! Right now, I love the entire Intensity Series a lot, and I also really love Power Hour, Cardio Kicks and Rhythmic Step. The Slow & Heavy series has really helped me with strength gains, and I love Cathe's older step videos too. I tend to focus more on strength training than cardio, but doing her videos is so much fun, I'm learning to love cardio more and more!
Carol
Carol
Carol122201
Cathlete
Thanks, Donna!