Plan B Forum

I'm a novice, but I have been messing around with handweights and a kettlebell using video workouts I've found on YouTube.

Is it critical to alternate days on working muscle groups? For instance I've found a lovely 10 minute workout for arms/upper body that uses small handweights, is that something I could do every morning or do I need to give those muscles an entire day off to optimize growth/strength gains?

I have the same query related to lower body workouts with my kettle bell - which uses the arms too - and focusing on building back my quads through squats and lunges etc.

Thank you in advance for any and all sound advice.

I have incorporated weight training into my workout (after cardio) 4-5 times a week and do not permit different muscle groups to rest, but I am doing it for maintenacne and not to develop muscle muscle growth. I do recall that when I did more heavy duty weight training years ago I did rotate the groups, but I was using fairly heavy weights with multiple reps. so I think it made sense (even the dumbells I used were heavy). I would think if you are using fairly light handweights, the resting is unnecessary, but you should consider it is you increase the weights used significantly.

That working with weights an alternate days or alternating upper body/lower body. Ia intended to give a days recovery between HARD workouts. The ones where you barely manage to not drop the weight and it takes twice the mental effort on the last lift That is most improvement from the amount of time. The next check point is -- can you carry on a conversation while you are doing it? If thew answer is yes, then what you are doing is better than staying on the couch, but not much better. On the other hand, social contact and interaction is just as important as 'working out' for us old types.

snailgate.

When you're starting out, if the exercise is enough to make muscles ache, you should take a break between muscle groups. After you've gotten into your routine for a while, everyday with light weights should be fine.