When to Increase Weights?

[vanessarene]

Hi Cathe,

I love your strength training workouts. They work my body so hard and I'm loving the results.

When doing multiple exercises for one muscle group, when is it time to increase the weight?

For example, in Muscle Max, when doing chest, I can do the first two sets of pushups and flyes, but can't complete the "burn" pushups with the varying count. So, do I go ahead and increase the dumbbell weight now to further challenge myself during the flyes or do I wait until I can finish those last pushups?

Thanks for any advice,
Vanessa

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Vanessa! Try reversing the order and doing those "burn" pushups first and then doing flyes and two sets of pushups.

Once you have done this for about 4 to 6 workouts, then go back to the original order and you may be surprised to find that you can do it all :7 If not thats ok too.

But yes, add some extra weight to those flys AFTER these 4 to 6 workouts because you'll be ready to by then.

Focus hard and good luck!

 

[vanessarene]

Cathe,

Thanks so much for the response. I can't believe how quick it was...

I will try the exercises in reverse. I can't wait to see how much I'll improve.

Thanks again,
Vanessa

 

[Affirm]

Vanessa,

You will be surprised how this change in order will work for you. I remember a few years ago when I started doing PUB and I just couldn't get though that 3rd set (heaviest) with all the other reps. I started doing the pyramid down which allowed me to start with the heavy set and work my way down. After a period of time, I was able to go back to the original order and my strength was greatly improved.