Is it better to use less lbs and do more reps or use more lbs and do less reps when using exercise equipment?

Question

at the gym?

my wife likes to work out at the gym on all the equipment but she doesnt know exactly if she should lift less weight and do more reps or vise versa.

would it be better to add weight or just do more reps every 2 or 3 weeks?

Answer 1

Lift weights that are comfortable for your wife to lift when she's doing 3 sets of 15 reps. If she's not strong enough to get through the sets then lower the weight. She should be exerting herself but not straining to the point of pain or exhaustion.

Answer 2

Depending on the result you want.
Heavy weight and less reps usually is used to build muscle mass.
Light weight and more rep is used to build definition.

Answer 3

most women like to do more reps with less weight because they worry about bulking up, but it all depends on what look she's going for. Also I think women like more cardio/aerobic (= fat loss) than a lot of guys do and thus opt for less weight/more reps. But it's really up to her and what she wants the end result to be!

Answer 4

less weight , more reps for stamina

more weight fewer reps for muscle building . Thae weight and reps should take you close to muscle exhastion.

Answer 5

Either one will work. It's up to what she is most comfortable with. Since she is a beginner it would be best to start with lighter weights and when she gets comfortable with that then she should go for the heavier weights.

Answer 6

doing more reps w/ less weight does not build muscle definition, muscle definition is decided by your diet not reps.

Answer 7

It depends on if you want to gain muscle, or stamina...

muscle is for quick pulses, and you have alot of strength...
and stamina, is where you cant do as much, but you can do it longer...