New to lifting...

[Decimator]

Hey all.

     I've been going to the gym for a couple months now, and I've got a few questions after trying some things out on my own. I want to gain strength, but I'd also like some endurance as well. I've been going with 15 reps for most of the stuff that I've been doing, and using a weight I know I can pull off, but I'm wondering if I would be better off doing less reps with a heavier weight? As an example I've worked up to doing dumbbell presses with a 35lb dumbbell in each hand for 4 sets of 15 reps. Do you think I'd see better results if I grabbed the 40's and did 4 sets of 10?

     Sorry for the very basic question, but I live in a very small town, and the only people who go to the gym are old people who just use the treadmill and teenagers who show up like once a week, nobody very experienced to ask.

Thanks in advance!

[tonymctones]

first off if you can change your name, if you wonder off the training board the sharks are going to rip you a new one with a name like that pushing 35lb DB.

Its all in what you want to accomplish bro, be honest with yourself if you want to lift to look good than it will be slightly different than lifting for utility purposes which is what is sounds like you want right now.

I would drop the reps and up the weight you still seem pretty new so I might stick with BB inclines if possible until you pick up some strength.

[IrishMuscle84]

MOST IMPORTANTLY, Whats your diet like?? You want to have strength when you train, depending on your daily schedule, work, etc.....get a few meals in each day before you train.

[Decimator]

I know that currently my name is... not exactly suiting my physical ability. I suppose I picked it as something to work towards. haha. I would say I want to gain strength more for utility than anything. I do want to look good, but I don't necessarily want to be massive. I've been running as well, but not on the nights that I lift.

I'm sure my diet is less than adequate. Although 8 months ago I was eating a lot of fast food, and had a job with crazy hours that wasn't letting me get much sleep, but that's all behind me. With just the changes I've made in my diet by eliminating junk/fast food and trying to eat much healthier, I dropped from 245lbs down to 220. Currently hovering around 230 and still plenty of fat to lose.

I try to have a couple pieces of whole wheat bread and a banana in the morning along with a protein shake. 8oz of milk with 1 scoop of EAS Whey protein. A cup of coffee or two as well. Morning coffee break I try for two pieces of toast, and the same thing again at afternoon coffee (no actual coffee, though).  Lunch is usually a can of soup :/.  Supper varies but almost always includes a good serving of meat and a veggie of some sort. Then off to the gym, and another protein shake with 16oz of milk and two scoops after my workout. Currently I'm only drinking about 2 or 2.5 liters of water a day.

So, yeah, I'm very new to this whole thing.

[chaos]

So, yeah, I'm very new to this whole thing.

Spend some time reading through The Training Board for diet/training tips, there is also a nutrition board here, but I don't know if it's worth a shit.

[dyslexic]

...there is also a nutrition board here, but I don't know if it's worth a shit.

It's not. Especially when I post there.

[Hulkotron]

Decimator, you should be trying to progressively increase your amount of weight lifted.  Not necessarily every workout (it's fine to do the same weight and number of reps for a few workouts).  Just don't look at it as "I can do 35x15 or I can do 40x10 which should I pick?"  At your level it doesn't really matter that much how many reps you do, so if you like doing sets of 15 then stick with that.  You can do 35x15, so don't be content with that.  Pick up the 40s and try to do 15.  You might not be able to, but keep trying!  Then when you get that, pick up the 45s and try to get 15, etc.  

[dyslexic]

It's tough just starting out on your own and randomly "trying" new things.


There are book stores loaded with great books on Bodybuilding and Strength Training.


If you are serious about this endeavor, get knowledgeable and travel "as the crow flies"...


The question you are asking is asked here about once a week. Use the "search" function and start reading. Googling and Youtubing are pretty good sources of information also.

[Decimator]

Thanks a lot everyone for the replies! I have found a lot of very good information on youtube over the last few months. Mostly about what exercises work what muscles. Haven't spent much time here yet, but I'll start looking around some more.

Thanks again.