to go use heavy weight or light

mengele

joined the gym and have been given a programme. just an example is im told to do plate raise with three sets of 10 reps. the instructor said that 15kg might be too hard to start off with and that 10kg would be better.

what is the right thing to do
a. just do the 10 reps with 10kg and not feel the strain
b. do as many reps as I can with the 10 kg by 3 times
or
c. use the 15kg but only succeed in getting 4 or 5 or 6 reps done.

I have this problem in a few areas where I need ideally a weight in between the 10 and 15 kg.

another problem is that my left hand is weaker than my right and if I was doing alternate dumbbell curls my left hand gets tired faster. any advice on how to get it to catch up

Mellor

Do 10 reps with the 10kg plate.
If you get all 3 sets complete without struggling, then up the weight.
If 15kg means you can only get half the reps, then do half the resp. 3 x 5 this week, 3 x 8 next week, 3 x 10 the week after.


If the plates are tri-grip, you should be able to grab both a 10kg and a 2.5kg plate for a interim 12.5kg load.


As for the left side being weaker. Do the reps on that side first when you are a bit fresher. Repeat the same number of reps on the right side.