Should I add more weights?

[chinadoll]

If I am able to complete 10-12 reps on my last (3rd) set should I go up on the weights? And if so how should I guage how much? I don't often have a spotter so I am kinda shy on how much I put on the bar but lately my husband has been making it a point to work out when I do just incase I need a spotter. And now I am finding that maybee I need to up the weights. But I don't want to overdo it to fast. After reading much of Spatts articles I took her and many others advice and ditched the smith machine, and then reailized that It was holding me back on my squats. I don't
squat much but I did add 30lbs after that. And I was still able to do 10 reps on the 3rd set.

With this in mind should I add some plates to the bar?

 

[Daisy_Girl]

I definately would add more weight!

I assume you are talking about adding for things like squats and bench. In those, IF you don't have a spotter add weight a little slower to make sure you can do it - like 5-10 lb increments.

Also, another way to increase strength is to add more weight on other exercises - biceps, triceps, shoulders, back. And *most* of the exercises you do for those body parts you can do safely without a spotter so you can increase weight faster.

 

[chinadoll]

I am really lagging on my bench, and I rarely have a spotter. But everything ealse seems to be coming along. i don't do deads heavy but I would like to add some pounds to my squats and bench press. I feel sooo weak espically after I hear what you gals are lifting.

 

[chinadoll]

No I don't have a trainer. But we do have a lady at the gym that does training. The only problem is she is the one reccomended me to use the smith machine. And I see her using it herself for both bench and squats.

 

[chinadoll]

My husband has this guy helping him right now This guy is more into strength training than bb. So I am guessing that he would be a good person to ask to check out my form. Most of the other guys are there in the gym to look good. We have a couple that are serious but they usually go around lunch. I work out of town so I go after work. Most of the men there when I am there would probably be staring to hard when doing deads etc to even notice I dropped the weights.

My husband has been training for a while but is clueless when it come to women and working out. But he is very supportive. And he tries to help as much as possible.

Thanks for the advice spatts, You have been a great inspiration.