Lifting Weights: What the heck am i doing wrong?

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dfi

Golden Member
Apr 20, 2001
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Ok there has been a lot of advice up there. Information overload if you ask me. You're not strong enough to do 95lbs on bench with the reps you want to hit.

You want to do 12-10-10-8 like your rows? Lower the weight on bench. Go to 85lbs as your starting 12 rep weight, then do your 12-10-10-8 sets. Too easy? Well, big whoop, you didn't work hard 1 day out of (hopefully) a lifetime of productive training.

dfi
 

Spamela

Diamond Member
Oct 30, 2000
3,859
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Originally posted by: Sid59
Originally posted by: Gobadgrs
Originally posted by: Sid59
you want to get stronger or bigger?

rule =

bigger = max weight with fewer reps
stronger = lower weight with more reps

isnt it the other way around?

no .. the point of getting bigger is to shock and tear the muscles so they can grow.

what???

to greatly simplify things,
higher weight & lower reps = greater strength gains.
 

Red Dawn

Elite Member
Jun 4, 2001
57,529
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What works for me is doing 3 set of 12 where the 12th rep is a struggle in the last two sets and bump up the weight and do two set of 5 where the 5th rep is a stuggle. When I can do the first 3 sets to 12 and the latter 2 sets to 5 without a struggle then I move up in weight.

Ex.
On Bench 3x12 @230 then 2x5 @260

If I'm not feeling strong I can still get off at least 3 sets of 8 and usually 2 sets of 5 at the higher weight and still feel pumped.
 

PunDogg

Diamond Member
Jan 15, 2002
4,529
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i would even start out with lower reps, try 12-10-8, or 10-8-6, to build up your strength, cuz if you work too hard you could injure yourself. plus you will need a good base so you can build more later.

Dogg
 

masul0100

Member
Jun 19, 2001
48
0
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Try 6x12 you will obviously have to lower the weight but usualy bump at least 5lbs a week once you get going. I swear by it.