What's better? ( a weight lifting question)

ElaineP

ElaineP

Cathlete
What is better? Lifting a heavy weight but not able to finish the same amount of reps as Cathe or lifting heavy then switching to a lighter weight and finishing out the set with the same amount of reps as Cathe?
 
IMO, I think varying it between both is the best. You have to mix it up to keep your body guessing. Also, it used to be a golden rule to lift VERY heavy but at minimum 8 reps to build more muscle. I haven't seen anything different from that but maybe there is newer research saying differently.

On second thought, when I reread your post, the second option sounds like it would be the best way to work your muscles to failure.

Marla
 
I tend to go with the 2nd option myself--switching to a lighter weight so that I can finish the set...I have heard Cathe say to do just that OR if you want to stick with the heavier weight, do every OTHER rep and finish out the set that way....

Have a great work out!

~Wendy~

I smoked my last cigarette on March 17, 2004 at 10:00 pm!

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?WENDYMIN

http://lilypie.com/days/050519/1/0/1/-5/.png[/img][/url]
 
I think it depends on whether you can keep your form during the heavy lifting. If you loose your form, you should use the lighter weight, IMO.
 
That sounds good go with the heavier weight and when it get to be too much finish up with a lighter weight, if you can?
 
Have to agree, When you lose form, that's when you go down a notch. See if you can go down by 1 pound incriments, if not, just finish with the 5 pound less until you can complete in correct form with the heavier weight. JMHO.


~~tytbody~~
Working towards Perpetual Motion
 
Thanks for the input. I usually do the second choice. I was just wondering which one would fatigue the muscle more.
 
Hi Elaine! I usually will drop the heavy weight & go to a lighter one & finish out all my reps. I have found either way works. Kathy:D
 
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