Whats the best way to gauge weight progession?

[je2037]

This is pretty difficult for me. Say were just talking about back exercises for example. Right now, I can do three sets of rowing progressing 100, 110, 120. Ill move up 10lbs once I can do 10 reps on the third set. Easy enough, and easy to keep track of. But I know the key to progress is variation. I dont really want to be doing that same rowing every week. So if I move around to different back exercises that gauge differently in weight, how can I consistently make sure im moving forward? Is there a test I can do with each different exercise I try to figure out what I should be lifting? Im tempted to just stick with the rows because I know any increase in weight means progress, whereas in another exercise the weight I put on could translate differently than the rows, and I wouldn't know if im actually making progress. how can I get the freedom to move around to different exercises every week without getting confused about how much weight to use?

And its not like I can just experiment with different exercises for a while, because I'm constantly increasing in strength and a new unknown wieght is needed for each exercise everytime I come back to it. Which might be once every few weeks.

I hope that made some sense.

[mesomorph]

Mate, weight training is all about trial and error and experimentation. You are correct in your assumption about variation. Once the body has adapted to the movement/exercise/weight you will find that your progress slows down or even stagnates. If the exercise you are doing still provides progress and you feel like you're achieving, then stick with it. Don't feel compelled to change just for the sake of change. Most trainers have basic lifts from which most other lifts are derived, eg machine chest press, cable row etc. They will return to these from time to time to measure/gauge any improvements. So, change up if you wish.Go to other lat/back exercises. Any progress can be measured later on simply by returning to your rows! Most good trainers have a diary so as to track improvements and to avoid confusion. Start logging your work!!

[Blazer man]

Yeah logging your progress is a must. Are you performing pull-ups as well je2307? Because when I started getting stronger with pull-ups, I made emense gains on the rows. I don't know, maybe that'll help.

[je2037]

Thanks for the replies. So keep a few staple exercises as the gauge and vary when progress stagnates. Definitely good advice. I'll give it a shot.

Blazer - The reason ive been neglecting pull-ups is because ive heard they arent the best for building mass, but somehow I feel like its a much more rounded exercise than weighted back exercises. I should probably throw it back in.

[Blazer man]

I think that pull-ups work more muscle groups than rows do, but that's just me. However, I don't know what type of row you're performing. Dumbbell, or barbell? No, pull-ups aren't good for building mass if you're performing 15 reps, but if you use weight and peform 5-8 reps, then you've got yourself a fantastic mass builder. I would vary between both of them to avoid peaking. Best of luck.

[je2037]

I'm doing the machine rows actually, you know the cable pull? it seems to be good for keeping good form. Although I am always interested in varying my exercises.

Thanks for all the help.

[ebon00]

Originally Posted by je2037

how can I get the freedom to move around to different exercises every week without getting confused about how much weight to use?

Start calculating workload.