Confused about endurance workouts

[NathL]

Hi everyone

After doing S&H and the GS for upper body for the last months, I've been looking for endurance workouts for a change. But I'm confused: I did Power Hour the other day which I think is considered an endurance workout but it didn't seem like one to me. I felt that I could use almost the same weight as in the GS. And it didn't seem to have that much reps in it (though I have to admit I didn't count!). Even with ME (I did the segments on the Terminator DVD), I used the same weights or almost as in the GS (except for biceps: I'm a biceps wimp!!!). The only ones I have which feel more like endurance workouts are PUB and Bodymax1

Is it normal or am I doing something wrong? Maybe I don't have the right endurance workouts? Which ones would you suggest?

Your comments would be much appreciated
Thanks
Nathalie

 

[LaughingWater]

[a href="http://69.0.137.118/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=3&topic_id=69914&mesg_id=69914&listing_type=search"]This thread[/a] may address your question. Here's a snip:


"PLB/PUB - strength & endurance (but for me, its more endurance)
Maximum Intensity Strength - strength & endurance
Power Hour - endurance
CTX series - can't comment - don't have it"

As an addendum to Marcy's comments I would say that the above workouts are strength focussed only when you are new to them, or if you have taken a serious break from exercise and are staging a come back. Once you are used to them, in my experience, they are predominantly endurance focussed because their faster pace and higher rep count will lead eventually to a plateau and the only way to lift heavier weights with these is then to go do a strength series and then come back and see if you can then lift heavier weights with these endurance ones.

It may be that people with different body types (ectomorph, mesomorph, endomorph) have different reactions to these workouts. As an ectomorph and hard-gainer, predominantly, I classify these largely as endurance workouts with initial strength gaining potential.

Clare
maddiesmum

I personally have no wise words to offer, as I'm pretty darn new to this. I rely heavily on the forum veterans and the Search function.

 

[fit_fairy]

IMO anything that does more than 8-10 reps per set is considered endurance based. Which is most of Cathe's stuff. She has very few wt videos that I truly consider strength. Again JMO.

[font color= purple size=+3]Catherine[/font]

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[Jane P]

Cross Train Express Upper Body Split is an endurance workout. I think she does 3 sets of 16 of the upper body exercises in that workout. When I do it, I always do chest, shoulders and triceps on one day and back and biceps on another. Power Hour is also an endurance workout, but because it's total body, the upper body sections are shorter than those in CTX.

 

[Dawncharlie]

I think of endurance workouts as more reps with lighter weights (Cross-Train Express, e.g.). And strength as less reps with heavier weights (Slow & Heavy obviously).

I agree that everyone may feel workouts differently. In Muscle Endurance, I truly feel the endurance portion and feel like I'm moving fast among exercises and sometimes a little out of breath. Another example is the last time I did CTX, after coming off a Slow & Heavy rotation, I tried to use heavy weights and almost died because of all the reps.

I think everyone is different and of course it all depends on your fitness level, too. In most circuit workouts, where we are moving among exercises fast, I feel true endurance.

Have a great day,
Dawn