Progression - How often do you add weight and reps?

[Yojimbo]

I was talking about progression with someone who was just getting started into weight training and basically I told him that he needs to workout hard, get rest and always try to add reps or weight during each successive worout.

That's basically what I do and you learn to love those 2.5 pounders...

I was wondering if their are any studies out there that discuss the optimum time to add weight?

IIRC, there's a certain time frame after each workout during which the bodies adaptation cycle is at it's peak.

Do you guys generally always try to add weight or reps each workout or do you have a more scientific method that tells you when you should add weight to the bar?

On average how soon do you find yourself adding reps or weight on the basic exercises?

Thanks!

 

[SgtSlaughter]

Read This

 

[Fitness Nut]

I increase every workout. If I can't push out one more rep, I do negatives. No exceptions.

 

[medical]

I increase every workout. If I can't push out one more rep, I do negatives. No exceptions.

But of course there is a limit to that. You cannot increase forever! I am 43 years old and from my experience your strength peaks at @ 39-40 yo. After that you may yo-yo and gain strength on a cycle but you will never have a consistant gain again. YMMV

 

[crossy]

Read what sarge posted. Great way of adding weight weekly. Loads of info with the link provided my sarge.

 

[Fitness Nut]

But of course there is a limit to that. You cannot increase forever! I am 43 years old and from my experience your strength peaks at @ 39-40 yo. After that you may yo-yo and gain strength on a cycle but you will never have a consistant gain again. YMMV

I suppose when you get to a certain point, you simply will not be able to lift more. Personally, I am far from that point. My numbers are currently increasing at least 5-10 lbs every week. I understand why this may not be true for everyone, but if you are still making gains, I believe in a gain of some sort every workout, or else your workout wasn't worth the time.

 

[medical]

I suppose when you get to a certain point, you simply will not be able to lift more. Personally, I am far from that point. My numbers are currently increasing at least 5-10 lbs every week. I understand why this may not be true for everyone, but if you are still making gains, I believe in a gain of some sort every workout, or else your workout wasn't worth the time.

You'll find out!