Poundage in weight training....?

[April]

Hi,
I have been reading the postings of many, They seem to use heavy weights (28 lbs) for strengh training. I'm really amazed by this. I have been training (videos only) for the past 6 months. I use 5 and 8 lbs (for lat rows I use 8 5). For the Great wtd w/o by Karen, I use 3 lbs and I am pooped.
I feel like a weakling.Just want to know if I should be trying harder? How long does it take to lift heavier?
Can any of the veterans help me with an answer?
Thanks.

 

[Debra]

Listen to your body

You're right, many of the forum participants use very heavy weights. They're pretty amazing, & then there's Cathe too. We all have to listen to our own bodies. You want to tax your muscles but keep good form.

I find that Voight's workouts will push me with much lighter weight than other videos. There's no rest & lots of reps. You didn't mention if you do any other weight training. But I was amazed at how much heavier I could go with Cathe's tapes (but so much lighter than many others). The tempo & breaks make a big difference.

Voight & Cathe's tapes are opposite ends of the spectrum which I find stimulating. Hope you're not hesitant to use Cathe's strength videos because you can use whatever weight challenges you & get results.

 

[Nancy C]

Ditto on listening to your body...

Don't feel whimpy about the weight you use. Feel comfortable with how well you preform each exercise with proper form. Your strength will increase with consistancy and challenges.

As Debra pointed out, with some videos the strength format can vary form one to another. If I remember...I had a few KV vids.. she is fairly fast/high rep/endurance style strength, so you should have lighter wieghts.

It is difficult to judge how "well" you are doing based on the amount of weights others are using, everyones bodies/muscles are different and we are all at different levels in fitness...just make sure you are using a challenging weight that you can maintain with proper form throughout the exercises.

That poundage on the bargell is no more than a number to write in your log so you remember what to start with the next time you do that workout again

. And you will find, if you alternate between endurance and heavier training...you will have to write it down because your weights can be quite different for that same bicep curl!

Happy Lifting,
nancy:O)