Counting Reps?

[ewatkins]

This a is a silly question, but I am new to strength training. I have been tyring some of the exercises in the Healthy Moves 2000 series (only one year late!). There's a lot of "hold for 8 seconds, repeat 10 times on each leg" kind of thing. I get all mixed up in counting the seconds and then the reps, so I forget where I am. Do people use timers or counters? I guess I am used to just getting on a bike or stair machine and zoning out. Do I really have to pay so much attention to all that counting?

[Pat58]

I recommend you focus on counting your reps. I bet the reason they have "hold for 8 seconds" or whatever is to try to remind people to slow down and use proper form when lifting weights. Don't flail the weights around, which I see often in the gym - even with big guys who are "cheating" to try to get momentum to lift a weight they can't handle by swinging it around.

Let's say you are doing military presses. Using weight you can handle, get a good position - press up, exhaling on the exertion. Inhale as you return to starting position but FEEL it as you return - i.e., don't just drop, move with some deliberation. (this is called "feeling the negative") Complete your reps, rest, then do the next set(s) if you desire.

I hope this helps. Or I have thoroughly confused you !!!

[ewatkins]

Thanks-- I guess you are telling me to be deliberate and not worry about how many seconds to hold a position. I still find all that counting a bit of a pain.