When do you KNOW you should lift more?

[Fred]

For instance, I bench 205 lbs and I do it a couple times. I can still breath, but it's still hard.

When do I KNOW I should put on a extra 10 lbs or 5 lbs?

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[ALBOB]

Normally you set a target rep range. 6-8 reps is a good range for gaining strength and size. Therefore, if you can do 8 good strict reps with a certain weight it's time to add weight to the bar. Notice I said strict reps; cheat reps, forced reps, assisted reps, etc. don't count. You have to do them all yourself with good form or it's too soon to be adding weight.

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Life is hard so quit whining and go out there and be alive.

 

[ballast]

you should set a rep range for each exercise.The rep range should correspond with your goals(increased strength,muscle size,endurance,etc.).Once you can do a certain amount of weight at the top of your rep range, add some weight and repeat.This is just one way.

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[Fred]

I've been doing that kinda thing too. I just feel like if it was easy or I wasn't sweating afterwards, I'll add another 5 - 10 lbs (depending on how I was feeling).

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[ALBOB]

If it's easy you better add more than 5 or 10 pounds! You should be busting your butt to get 6-8 reps. As far as sweat goes, don't pay it any attention. When I have a fantastic leg day and have to crawl to the locker room I MIGHT break a sweat. Other than that I don't sweat unless the fans in the gym are broke and it's 100+ degrees. Sweat is a bodily function that you have no control over and most definitely shouldn't govern your workouts. Having said that, you still are losing a SERIOUS amount of water during your workout, so you need to keep yourself well hydrated. Take a drink of water between EVERY set to make sure you're taking in enough.

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Life is hard so quit whining and go out there and be alive.

 

[Fred]

I sweat a lot. Not smelly sweat, just normal sweat. Even when i don't do anything. I noticed this since I started my creatine 1 year ago. And then I got off it, and I still sweat.. so it might be still in me..

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