should i ALWAYS add weight the next time i train a muscle again?

[eastarr69]

If we all added weight every time we trained, we would all have 1000 pound squats......(joke)

I added 10 pounds a week for 8 weeks and I have went up 10 pounds only over the past 4 weeks....

But...going up none the less....

E

 

[zackdarnell]

Really Dr? I know of trainees that were genetically typical or worse that added weight to the bar almost if not every single week. Till they reached a 300+ bench, 400+ lb squat, 500+ lb deadlift etc.

And then what?

 

[Citruscide]

If I hit 8 reps on something, I ALWAYS increase the weight...

C-ditty

 

[Legion Kreinak2]

C, do you only go by reps when increasing in lifts? I would think you'd try adding more weight before you hit 8-reps (I'm assuming you train in the 4-6 rep range. I don't really think a week later you'll suddenly lift that same weight another 2-3 times. I know I can't add 3 reps/week with my 5x5 routine. Though, I can think of two reasons why maybe I can't...

 

[Testosterone boy]

Depends on if you are gaining weight or losing weight. If you are losing weight, there are inevitable losses in some strenght exercises. Gaining weight will always make you stronger.

I keep things simple myself, push weight until you can't push it one more time. Concentrate on major exercises....bench, shoulder press, lat pulldown, seated row, squats, dead lift.

 

[Legion Kreinak2]

You just keep doing reps until you fatigue?

 

[Citruscide]

C, do you only go by reps when increasing in lifts? I would think you'd try adding more weight before you hit 8-reps (I'm assuming you train in the 4-6 rep range. I don't really think a week later you'll suddenly lift that same weight another 2-3 times. I know I can't add 3 reps/week with my 5x5 routine. Though, I can think of two reasons why maybe I can't...

LOL -- good observation... my statement was only if I hit 8 reps... I also increase weight in other situations... I increased it this week on bench when I only got 4 reps on the previous weight, and I got THREE on the next weight... if I hadn't increased it then, I might not have gone up at all...

C-ditty

 

[spatts]

I add weight every time. It's rare to go a session without a PR, even if it's a couple pounds. If you can do more, do it.

...depending on goals, of course.

 

[skinnyfromtoptobottom]

well, my goals are simple:
gain as much mass and strength as quick as possible.
so, i think i'll try adding weight EACH time.
i don't know, but since i lowered my training volume to about a half, i can add weight each time. this has been going on for 4 weeks now. let's see how long i will be able to do that.