Weights to Fatigue?

baybike

Hi All,
I'm doing a circuit training class as part of my winter training, and I have a question about the weight stations.
When I started the class, I used a weight that I could lift for the whole 1minute of each station, but be tired at the end of the station.
A few weeks in that weight is not tiring me at all, so I've moved up a size in weights(sorry don't know the actual weight of it!) But I find that with the bigger weight I reach fatigue before the minute is up.

So my question is, should I struggle through the whole minute with the heavier weight(it'd mean less reps) or should I do 30 to 40 seconds of the heavier weight and then drop back to a lower weight for the remainder of the minute?
Or would it be better to do the first circuit with a heavier weight and the second circuit with a lower weight?

Thanks

EileenG

Most people lift weights for a certain number of reps, and pick the weight that will just about allow them to finish that number of reps. Occasionally, they'll deliberately pick a weight that's too heavy and go until they can't lift the weight at all (training to failure).

In your case, I'd be inclined to start with the heavier weight, and when you are close to the failure point, drop it back a bit to a weight that will allow you to finish the set.

The Davestator

Agree with above, just try lifting the heavier one slower so it fills the minute but you fail right at the end.

baybike

I'll try both ways and see what works for me. I tend to go for the 'do as many as I can in the minute time limit' so I might try reducing the weight half way through until I can build it up again,
Thanks

EileenG

If you want to really get bang for your buck, try lifting the weight explosively (fast) and lowering it slowly.