More Reps or More Weight?
By maths887
@maths887 (64)
United States
January 15, 2008 2:37pm CST
This question has probably been asked thousands of times, but I'm a relatively lean guy looking to bulk up my chest. I have heard my friends debate over whether I should lift smaller weights for more reps or heavier weights for less reps to build this muscle, without any conclusion or decision. This means I still do not know what to do to 'bulk up'! Which one is right for building muscle? Or is it something in the middle...
1 person likes this
2 responses
@RowenaTheWitch (947)
• Italy
15 Jan 08
I'm not a specialist but my trainer in gym says to me that to build your body and to loose fat you have to use enough weight so you can finish your last rep with difficulty but also without killing yourself. Try different weights, if you see that one is challenging but not impossible then use it and increase from time to time. If muscles get used to small weights they adapt and don't grow
@maths887 (64)
• United States
16 Jan 08
I wish I could go to the gym often enough to use bigger weights with the same reps, but alas, that hasn't happened yet. But I did decide to move up a little bit, I think that you are right in that I was getting use to the weight I was at. I appreciate it!
@RowenaTheWitch (947)
• Italy
22 Feb 08
Thanks for the best response, maths, I didn't notice it (and it was a months ago!)
I hope your training is going well :)
@rocap07 (54)
• United States
16 Jan 08
This is what I always have heard and believed:
2 to 4 reps= bulk, power
6 to 10 reps= strength
15+ reps= endurance, tone
I personally think a good mix of all of these sets is the way to go to get the full effect of training.
@maths887 (64)
• United States
16 Jan 08
ok ok, thanks a lot! I used to do about 15 reps, but just a week ago I decided to lift heavier and now I do about 7. So I think that is what I'm looking for. Because I want more muscle, and bulk and strength is fine. I just have such flat pecs! haha.
Appreciate the help!
- Matthew
