Should You Be Lifting More Weight?
By Sara Butler
You can be very committed to your workout regimen and doing what you believe are all the right things but end up not getting where you want. One of the most common reasons this happens to people is that they simply aren't slowly amping up their strength training routine. If you're stuck in a strength training rut, then here are a few signs it's time to increase your resistance.
You're Not Feeling Challenged
Exercise of any kind isn't supposed to be easy, it's supposed to challenge you as time goes on. If the current weight you're lifting doesn't feel like a challenge, then it's time to kick it up a notch.
The whole point of working with weights in strength training exercise is to overload your muscles and force them to get stronger. If you're not lifting enough weight, then your workout won't be as challenging as it used to be. This is a huge indicator that it's time to up your resistance.
You Don't Get Tired
Sometimes, you just get in the zone and your workout flies by. But if you feel as if you could keep going on forever workout after workout, then it's time to rethink how much weight you're lifting.
The strength training exercises you do should make your muscles feel tired after 15 repetitions or less. You should feel as if you simply can't do one more bicep curl with good form. If you can do more than 15 reps without breaking good form, then it's time to add some weight to your routine.
You've Never Increased
If you've been chugging along, lifting weights for months or even years, and you've never increased from your starting weight, then it's time. If you want to progress in strength training and see results, then you have to lift more weight as you get stronger.
You're Not Progressing
Sometimes you think you are doing everything right, but your progress has slowed or even come to a screeching halt. If that's the case, then it probably means you need to add more weight to your workout.
Remember, the point of strength training is to push your muscles to work harder. If you don't, then they simply don't get stronger. Don't stick to the same workout if you want to see results. If you need guidance, talk to a chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic or consult with a personal trainer at your gym.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Katy, Tex.