Some exerises in my routine have now become more easy. Should I add more weight?

[Ross MwcFan]

When creating my routine, I made sure that the weight I used on all the exersises worked my muscles about the same, so for example I'd start to struggle around the 5th or 6th rep on the 2nd and 3rd sets on each exersise.

 

After using this routine for a couple of months, some of the exersises still feel about the same, while others feel too easy to do now.

 

That means some areas of my body have progressed more quickly than others.

 

If I were to start adding more weight to just the exersises that now feel easy, would my body build up less proportionately?

 

Or should I wait until all of the exersises equally feel easy to do, and then add more weight to them?

Edited June 30, 2011 by Ross MwcFan

[Chocolat]

Hi Ross,

 

Your goal should be to make progress with every workout. This might mean an extra rep, another set or more weight. You won't progress at the same rate for every exercise and that is fine.

 

You should also be periodizing your routine, which is just a fancy way of saying that you don't always want to do 4 sets of 8 reps (or whatever). Working in different set/rep ranges ensures you work all the different kind of muscle fibers in your body. Google Chad Waterbury or Alyn Cosgrove for good information on how to set up a program (or use one of the ones they have written).

[Ross MwcFan]

Hi Ross,

 

Your goal should be to make progress with every workout. This might mean an extra rep, another set or more weight. You won't progress at the same rate for every exercise and that is fine.

 

Are you sure this wont lead to my body being built up disproportionately?

[tman666]

I second what Chocolat said. No, you won't become disproportional.

[Ross MwcFan]

Cool. Time to add some more plates then.

[USMCHokie]

Are you sure this wont lead to my body being built up disproportionately?

 

You will only become disproportional if you neglect any muscle groups...besides the obvious legs, in my experience the most neglected muscle group is the back. People seem to love to work their chest, shoulders and arms...and without a balanced back, a big chest looks kinda foolish...

[SmileFace]

You will only become disproportional if you neglect any muscle groups...besides the obvious legs, in my experience the most neglected muscle group is the back. People seem to love to work their chest, shoulders and arms...and without a balanced back, a big chest looks kinda foolish...

Why do people(guys) neglect working their legs?

I was at the gym the other day and this guy is like 6'3 - 230 pounds and using the inner abductor machine. He had about 160 pounds loaded and he is there grunting like he is deadlifting 500 pounds. I couldn't understand it - I am like 6 inches shorter than him and about 70 pounds lighter and use about 230# when I do use the abductor. With no grunting. I squat more than most guys - it is weird to me. However since their bodyfat is so much lower. I am still stuck with huge thighs..lol

[Chocolat]

Why do people(guys) neglect working their legs?

 

My theory: Working legs is hard. Squats and deadlifts aren't just leg movements, they are killer body movements. Far easier to keep on benching or curling...

[tman666]

I don't get the whole neglecting legs thing with some guys. For me, I never feel more powerful as I do after busting out squat and deadlift PRs. Bench PRs, OHP, etc. just isn't the same. Yeah, it'll push you to your mental and physical limits, but that's what makes it so great when you overcome.

[USMCHokie]

Why do people(guys) neglect working their legs?

 

Because you can't see legs when you're shirtless. It's quite sad...

[SmileFace]

Because you can't see legs when you're shirtless. It's quite sad...

But walking around looking like a chicken isn't hawt. Someone please aware these guys ...lol

[cerridwen]

Because you can't see legs when you're shirtless. It's quite sad...

 

I call that the Rapper Workout.Its for dudes like Eminem who want to look good shirtless but miss half the boat.

 

@smileface...i always felt bad for guys with really slim calves who cant develop them. its not a good look but just the breaks I guess.

[PelicanPete]

Ive always hated doing legs, although I enjoy it a lot more now that I have more leg flexibility. It was very uncomfortable doing things like weighted squats when my legs were already stiff as boards, so I stuck to things like soccer and long distance running and told myself I was good to go

 

Ive always been fine with my long slim toned runners legs, but having leg hair that sticks out an inch on all sides kind of takes away from their majestic beauty. I never really wore shorts since my genetics missed the calf gene, and I have a few big scars on them from various events.

 

So with all of those factors in mind, I usually look in the mirror and say to myself "f it, ill do the world a favor and wear jeans". But now that I'm actually able to touch my toes, I feel more of a burn then an uncomfortable sting of stretched muscles. I also want to put on a few pounds, so hitting the legs would probably be the best idea

[Ross MwcFan]

You will only become disproportional if you neglect any muscle groups...besides the obvious legs, in my experience the most neglected muscle group is the back. People seem to love to work their chest, shoulders and arms...and without a balanced back, a big chest looks kinda foolish...

 

And pretty dangerous too.

 

My theory: Working legs is hard. Squats and deadlifts aren't just leg movements, they are killer body movements. Far easier to keep on benching or curling...

 

Yeah too right, those two exersises leave me out of breath, they're the only exersises I hate, but I do them because I want to have a balanced look.

Edited June 30, 2011 by Ross MwcFan

[Sivok]

Why do people(guys) neglect working their legs?

I was at the gym the other day and this guy is like 6'3 - 230 pounds and using the inner abductor machine. He had about 160 pounds loaded and he is there grunting like he is deadlifting 500 pounds. I couldn't understand it - I am like 6 inches shorter than him and about 70 pounds lighter and use about 230# when I do use the abductor. With no grunting. I squat more than most guys - it is weird to me. However since their bodyfat is so much lower. I am still stuck with huge thighs..lol

Keep in mind the size of a tall person's legs and how much farther of a distance they have to push those weights - that's a large factor in it as well. He's working alot harder per push. I'm 6'3 and can't do anywhere near as much weight as a smaller guy on Deadlifts or Squats. I have long legs in proportion to my body so that certainly doesn't help things.

 

Also, random fact, your glutes and hip flexors are some of the most important sex muscles. If guys dont work those out, those big arms aren't going to do much to help improve endurance in bed

[Chocolat]

Keep in mind the size of a tall person's legs and how much farther of a distance they have to push those weights - that's a large factor in it as well. He's working alot harder per push. I'm 6'3 and can't do anywhere near as much weight as a smaller guy on Deadlifts or Squats. I have long legs in proportion to my body so that certainly doesn't help things.

 

I have long legs for my height so I hear what you are saying. But the whole point is to lift heavy for you. It's not an absolute number. Lots of guys just don't do legs. Period.

 

Also, random fact, your glutes and hip flexors are some of the most important sex muscles. If guys dont work those out, those big arms aren't going to do much to help improve endurance in bed