I've been weight training on and off for about a year now, and it's got to the stage where I'm only using the heaviest weights for each of my workouts.

In my wardrobe, I still have my two old 2.2kg (5lbs each) dumbells. Just wanted to know, at a more advanced level of weight training that I've reached if there is any use for them now in my workout?

I still haven't built a lot of muscle or toning, but I am a bit stronger - just wondered if there's any advice as to whether I should stick to the heavies and throw out these light weights.

keep em. there are several 'delicate' exercises, such as those for rotator cuff isolation, that require very light weight.

on a side note: if you didn't gain much size, just strength, then you're not eating enough food.

It's because I'm a useless mess and can never decide if I'm cutting or bulking therefore find myself stuck in the middle making little progress either way.

One week I'll think, hey I'm too fat around my midriff and chin, must lose some weight.

The next I'll think, god I hate Cardio, lets hit the weights hard and bulk up some muscle.

Then the next week, oh no, too fat, hit the cardio and cut calories.

The only thing that has stayed constant throughout the year has been the weight lifting. But even that has suffered when I'm on a cutting kick.

Basicaly, I just want to look slim and toned, and muscle mass would be a bonus. I've decided to cut again for a few weeks, Cardio every day (jog to work) weights 3 times a week, and 500 calorie deficit in food. We'll see...




Male.
22 years.
6'2
210lbs

Well, you gotta get your mind right and go one route. If you are comfortable with your body fat %, work out your diet plan to be in a surplus of 500 cals and build yourself some muscle. If not, cut back 500 cals, keep the weights heavy, and do HIIT and SS cardio to speed up fat loss. Over time, you'll have done both, and you will get the results you want.

That's just it -I'm not comfortable enough with my bf% to bulk, I couldn't bare any more fat!

Cutting is fine, as long as I stick to it. I haven't tried HIIT but I'm dreading it.

Wow, your stats look the same as mine, I'm 6'2" and 212lbs. I know what you mean about the bit of extra fat, I'm also worried about it turning into a lot of extra fat but primarily I want to keep getting stronger so I've learnt to accept that I'm going to be carrying a little more around the waist than usual.

I'd say eat more and get stronger, that way if some skinny guy with 'fight club' abs starts posing anywhere near you in the park/beach you can just lift him over your head and chuck him in the nearest pond. Or if you're on the beach chuck him on the barbecue and use him for spare ribs (your cheat meal)

Haha thanks CCR I'll remember that the next time I see that little wimp Brad Pitt. Yes our stats are almost identicle, and I have been 212lbs on and off. I find it mostly gathers around belly, and (annoyingly) under the chin.