Thread: Reps / Sets for the Noobies

Originally Posted by JonnyStead

Hey all - can I just open (my first post) by giving a belated thanks to you all for all the info I have pinched off you over the last few months reading the forum. There is no substitute for experience and its been really useful.

Me and my training partner have been at this for about 9 months moving from dumb bells to a power rack now and I wanted to check if we are doin ok.

We are currently doing about 3 sets of 10 (heavy enough so we are training to failure at about rep 10) on bench presses / squats / and reverse bent over (45 degree) rows -

Although we are training to failure and have increased weight by over 50% since starting with the rack a couple of months ago - neither of us are bulking up - any tips?

Thanks guys and sorry if I have asked the noobie question! -

What do you mean by "bulking up"?
You may be gaining muscle, but losing/lost fat.
Have you measured? You may have grown an inch on your chest, but can't tell because you see it every day.
Unless you have taken measurements, and have had your body fat tested before and after, you can't know for sure.

Originally Posted by JonnyStead

Hey all - can I just open...

Make it easy on yourself: choose an existing routine to help get you started. P/RR/S, Westside, or HIT are good places to start.

Also, keep a journal of your efforts. If you don't know where you've come from or where you are, you'll have no idea where you're going.

Good luck, man!