Thread: how heavy?

Its all just a guideline.

For whatever rep range you should be able to complete all sets and reps at a weight that doesnt take you to concentric failure. So you shouldnt technically NEED a spot unless you're trying for a PR.

You're right about isolations, you shouldnt really go into the heavier rep ranges for them like you would with compound movements. I stick to 14+ reps for isolations.

I stick to 14+ reps for isolations.

I am confused, Gaz.

I was under the impression that one is to exceed 12 reps only for warm-up sets (exception: squats).

I remember reading somewhere on this forum that doing too may reps - say of barbell curls - will result in a great pump due to lactic acid buildup but won't contribute much to adding muscle mass.

Regards,
Bar

Originally Posted by sakbar

I am confused, Gaz.

I was under the impression that one is to exceed 12 reps only for warm-up sets (exception: squats).

I remember reading somewhere on this forum that doing too may reps - say of barbell curls - will result in a great pump due to lactic acid buildup but won't contribute much to adding muscle mass.

Regards,
Bar

Theyre isolation exercises, how much mass are you expecting to build from a single joint movement?

Its precisely because isolations are single joint that you shouldnt do them particularly heavy, it puts too much stress on that joint and wastes energy on a movement that isnt really going to do much for you anyway.

Also the pump is to do with blood going to the muscle rather than lactic acid buildup.

The exact rep range all depends on the program you are using. I dont see any problem with using high reps on any movement, i've done it before to good effect on my compound movements. You cant go heavy all the time.

I hear that working in the rep range of 1-15 is pretty fucking good for growing and getting strong.

Some exercises are better for the lower rep range, and other are better for the higher rep ranges. Still others fall somewhere in the middle (and can even be some of the exercises that work in the lower and/or upper range).

Put together a program that encompasses several ranges depending on goals and exercises being used.

I'm pretty sure if you stop worrying about setting up the perfect program or finding the perfect rep range, you will grow just fine. The first step is getting in the gym and trying to put weight on the bar. Next week...try and little harder.

Thanks guys, really helped me out.