Recently, The Washington Post published an article on building strength with “gentle” strength training.
While well intentioned, I think people may read this and get the wrong idea. Particularly when it says in bold print Light Weights Work Fine.
What’s really important from this article is that whether the subjects (all young males) were using heavy or light weights, they worked to near failure on most sets.
Intensity was the key to strength development, more so than the actual amount of weight one pushed.
If your strength routine feels like a casual stroll through Forest Park, chances are you’re not getting the results you want. A few keys to consider:
- Does the weight feel heavier towards the end of each set?
- Does form get shaky, but weight continues to move (technical failure vs. muscle failure)?
- Do you automatically slow down as you get closer to the end of a set, do the reps get a little slower?
If any or all of these things are happening, chances are your work set is working. If you’re using light weights AND the movement feels easy, you aren’t triggering the strength gains you need for an outdoor Pacific Northwest lifestyle.
If you have questions about intensity check out this blog post. I’m also always happy to dig deeper in my weekly Office Hours!
When you’re ready, we’re here for you.
Have questions about how you can get the most out of our precision fitness offerings? Email Jeremy at Go@HyattGym.com or book your Portland fitness consultation + office hours spot .
At Hyatt Strength + Wellness, your optimal health and wellness is our #1 goal. We blend art and science to create programs that are applicable to life and sport. We bring together strength and conditioning, cardiovascular health, mobility and nutrition to deliver a comprehensive lifetime health and wellness strategy made just for you. To learn more about our personal trainers or to set up a free consultation to see how they could help you, email us at Go@HyattGym.com.
