Why Men Should Decrease Their Weight in the Gym

I train men and see them weight training and it's obvious that strength is important to a lot of them. Strength is important no doubt about it, but ultimately we are all working out for ripped physiques.

It's crucial to change up a weight lifting routine for progressive results. If you are always lifting the maximum amount of weight you can handle for 10 reps, you won't get what you are looking for out of your program.

Five Reasons Why Men Should Decrease The Weight They Lift

1. When you lift heavy you tend to swing the weights. This "technique" only takes the focus away from the muscle you are trying to work. A good example of this is bicep curls. When you throw your weight in to every lift, you are using your back and shoulders and the biceps are no longer being isolated.

2. If you always lift fast and heavy, muscles don't tone. Instead of getting tight and toned muscles, too much of this technique creates big muscles, under fat. Without slow, lighter lifting in a full range of motion and circuit training the muscles never develop to their full potential.

3. Starting out too heavy causes injuries. If you have not worked out in ages and you are lifting more than you can handle, you are putting serious strain on bones, joints and ligaments. If you want a killer bod, you won't get one with a dislocated elbow or a sore back. Reduce weight and build strength before increasing intensity.

4. It's hard to progress without change. If you want strength progressions it's important to perform different workout routines. To lift a heavier weight for more reps you need endurance. So adding a program once a week where you drop the weight and increase the reps is very beneficial. Next time you exercise you will find you have the endurance for more reps with your usual weight and before you know it, you are able to increase strength and add weight.

5. Lighter weights are better for fat burn. For those muscles to show, you need cardio. Cardio doesn't mean you need to run on a treadmill. You can get the health benefits of a cardio machine by lifting lighter weights with less rest in between sets. Not only does this give your body the change it's craving but you get both the toning effect of weights and the heart health benefits of a good cardiovascular workout.

Interestingly enough, the most ripped guys I've seen in the gym don't care what people think of them, while they are performing bicep curls in a slow and controlled motion with 25lbs dumbbells. They look great, while the guys struggling to lift 40lbs don't. Obviously it's not about how much you can lift, but the results you are receiving from your workouts.

The ultimate goal is to get stronger while improving your physique. Sometimes, less is more in the end.

Kaleena Lawless
Personal Training Specialist
http://www.kalisthenixfitnessblog.com