Is 5 lb weights too light to see results

[fitgoddess]

I've been getting some great info on another thread that I wanted to start a separete post about a new question I have about some of that info I got.

My issue is about leaving the Firm for Cathe. One of the issues I am having is that I cannot go heavy on pure-upper sculpt videos or pure lower sculpt videoa....which Cathe seems to have a lot of. The reason I need to go light on these type of upper-only and lower-only sculpt workouts is that my muscles get too exhausted when say, just the upper gets worked. Even though upper muscle groups change, it still does not make a difference, as back work will engage my triceps, making it harder for me to do the tricep work that follows the back work, etc.

I got info on the other thread that it's OK to go light on upper or lower only workouts ....what I am wondering, is 5 lb in each hand too light? As that is pretty much what happens when I do upper or lower only workouts. For example, during a AWT workout, or a sculpt workout that alternates upper and lower, I can do 10 lbs in each hand on biceps....but on an upper only workout, I literally need to drop to 5 lbs in each hand for biceps!!! I don't mind going this light, but is that too light...can I still get the lean, sculpted results I am looking for at this weight?

I appreciate all the great info I've gotten so far. And no offense, but I have only been on this board for a couple of days, after being on the Firm boards for several years, and already, people here seem toknow more about what they are talking about than any info I ever got off the Firm board! Again, no offense to the people on the Firm board....

 

[teddy16410]

Welcome to Catheland!
As far as the poundage... In order to see results through weight training the general rule is that the last 2-3 reps in the set must be very challenging for you to do with proper form. If you are able to complete the set (when Cathe moves to next muscle group) and feel like you could have done more reps then you want to increase your poundage the time around. Thats why so many of us log our poundage so the next time we do an exercise we can select the proper weight. As you grow stronger you will need to increase the weights. The hardest part of this when using any variety of videos is the lack of consistency in HOW the muscle group is worked. For example: If you use only Gym Styles for 4 weeks you will know the weights you want to select/go up on/go down on because each week is the same exercise. If however you are selecting various DVDs every single week then its harder to gage because the reps, speed, etc... vary.
HTH..... I'm sure you'll get more advise :7

 

[allwildgirl]

If 5 lbs is what you can comfortably lift, then start there. Eventually you'll be able to go heavier. I would, however, suggest that you pay particular attention to your form. If you're recruiting your triceps so much during back work that you're pre-exhausting them before doing tricep work, it could be that your form is off. Do you have a mirror handy that you can use to make sure your form is good?

 

[dorothyrd]

I agree with the above poster. You should gradually increase weight, not stick to a certain weight, say 5 pounds. However, 5 pounds to 10 pounds is too big of a jump. So if 5 pounds is comfortable now, and you can complete a work-out successfully, then next time you want to increase to 7 pounds, or 8 and do what you can with that. If you don't complete all the reps at first, it is OK, make it your goal to improve. That is how you make strength gains, and get better muscles.

 

[hokypoky]

I think you will be pleasantly surprised how quickly you will be able to increase your weights. In many of Cathe's videos she uses 5#s because they are higher reps - more sculpting. But when you sit down to do some curls or extensions like in the Gym Styles, you are really concentrating on those muscles and the number of reps is lower. Plus you get a little break between sets.

If you are working to failure using 5#s, you will still build muscle.

And I agree, these are the best forums! You can ask any questions about ANYTHING and SOMEBODY has an answer!

 

[angie_nrs]

Keep in mind too that you need to progressivly increase your weights (as you are able to) using good form in order to improve strength gains. As a previous poster said, the difference between say 5# and 8# weights might be too much. So you might want to consider buying weights in one pound increments. The 6 & 7 pound weights generally aren't readily available in large department stores but you can buy them at sporting good stores like MC Sports, Dunhams, etc.

Angie

 

[kathryn]

Another thing that I didn't see mentioned yet: different muscles require different weights. Larger muscle groups (back, chest, legs) require heavier weights than smaller muscle groups (shoulders, biceps, triceps). If you usually use 5#, I'd keep with that weight for arms and shoulders for now, and try to go to 8# for back and chest.

The only back exercise that I can think of that would work the triceps much would be pullovers.

 

[ldy_solana]

i like to pyramid down from heavy to light weights in all my workouts. i figure even if i get only a few reps with that heavy weights i come down in weight and do some more reps until muscle fatigue. with slim and lean from jari i kept changing weight but i was so challenged b/c even when the weight was light i kept going until the set was done, and usually by then my muscles were tired. so still start a little heavy then move down,of course use a weight that you know you can handle and move down. there have been workouts that i dropped to 5s and 3s even but as long as the burn is there i know i am working.

kassia

http://www.picturetrail.com/ldy_solana

"And do what thee wilt as long as ye harm none"

 

[acatalina]

You got some good advice here. You will be amazed on wht you will probably be lifting in a year.I thought 20 for squats was heavy before. Now 65 is average. Unless i am using a smith machine...

The Firm is alot of 4 limb work, Cathe's weight work is either, building or endurance. Set up differently, but great..

Start light and comfortable. Don't get overwhelmed, pause if you need to .. Stretch, get a drink.. Whatever it takes to get you there..


www.picturetrail.com/acatalina

Anne
AKA
Storm