| Question About Sets/Reps
I'm 45 and am working on losing body fat. Part of my program is to lift weights (free weights) three times a week. The reason I'm lifting weights is because 1) I know that muscle burns more calories than fat, so I want to build more muscle tissue, and 2) I want to have a little more strength for sports and everyday activities.
Currently, I do three sets of 12 reps each, things like lateral raises, one-arm dumbell row, bench press, triceps extension, biceps curls, leg lift, etc. Usually, I'm struggling to finish the last two to four reps of the last set.
Should I increase the weight a little and do three sets of 12, then 10, then 8 reps? Should I be struggling to complete the last few reps of each set?
Keep in mind--I'm not looking to be a body builder or to compete or to even be ripped or sculpted or whatever. I just want to burn more calories, so I want more muscle.
Thanks! | 
