Lifting Weights: Lighter Is Just As Good

The good news is, you don’t need the weight, of your weights, that is. Researchers at McMaster University have learned that doing more repetitions with less weight builds muscle and increases strength just as effectively as training with heavy weights. HealthDay reports on the study, which looked at how different combinations of weight and repetitions affected the leg muscles of young men. The men trained three times a week for 10 weeks doing one of three resistance training regimens: one set at 80 percent of maximum load; three sets at 80 percent of maximum load; or three sets at 30 percent of maximum load. A set, in this case, meant doing as many reps as possible, typically eight to 12 times a set at the heaviest weights and 25 to 30 times a set at the lowest weights. HealthDay reports that heavy weights and light weights built muscle and strength equally well. Read more from HealthDay.