Save yourself injury with a warm-up set. Especially when using weights: squats, bench press, curls.
Go significantly lighter the first set. Get the kinks out, re-establish those pathways before ratcheting up the intensity. You’re always stronger the second set, and usually stronger still on the third set.
Don’t worry if you can’t do the full 10 reps by later sets. Heavy weight, low reps, makes your muscles bigger faster. On the last set of a series go lighter again so that you get the full number of 10 reps again.
Reduce the incidents of pulled, torn and strained muscles by being just a little patient with the process. For squats don’t forget 2-or-3 minute Supermans to protect your back, and coming down on your haunches for a minute to prepare your knees. Do at least 5 deep squats before adding any weight at all.
Your workout should alleviate problems. Not make them worse. But don’t be overly paranoid either. A sore-something is bound to happen once in a while. Make sure any set-back is superficial by instilling these precautions religiously.
Remember, the biggest mistake is doing nothing.
Heavy Lifting Tuesdays tonite at 730 pm. Friday Nite Yoga is with yours truly this week. And don’t forget to hammer that belly back into shape at Saturday Morning Abs.
Ciao, Pietro
