I get asked a lot "What are the best weights to choose if I want to tone up my muscles versus wanting to add a lot of muscle?" It's a great question and one that has a somewhat strange answer.
Let’s first start with wiping away the MYTH that...
... lifting HEAVY weights for low reps is going to make you bulk up.
... lifting LIGHT weights for higher reps is for toning.
The truth is that unless you are on testosterone-enhancing "supplements" you simply aren't going to look like the guys you see on the cover of magazines. You can trust me when I tell you that massive veins and crazy muscle striations on top of muscle striations is not "natural,” or anything you have to worry about if you are lifting weights.
Plus, if you're like most people who exercise 2-3 times per week with weights you need to get the most out of your workouts. You simply can't fall prey to "old school" myths if you want maximum results! That means that if you're opting for light weights that you can easily handle for 15 or more reps
you're definitely short-changing your results.
I’m not saying you need to pick up the heaviest weight in the gym, but you do need to lift a heavy enough weight for your body to produce enough effort in order for it to be FORCED to physically adapt to the new stimulus.
All that means is that
if you don’t give your body a reason to change, it won’t.
Also, the term "heavy weight" is subjective and varies widely depending on who you're talking to. A fit 25 year old guy or girl may think anything over a 60 pound dumbbell is heavy, whereas a 45 year old non-exerciser may feel ...
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