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I have a question about increasing reps. If in my last workout I did 12 reps of dumbbell curls at 35 pounds, I should then increase the weight in my next workout, right? It would be perfect if I could increase the weight to, say 37 pounds, but the next dumbbell weight at my gym is 40 pounds. At 40 pounds, I can only do about 5 reps, so it's too heavy. I know that I should keep my reps from 8-12 reps. What should I do? Should I try to do 13 or 14 reps at 35 pounds, or should I move up to 40 pounds? Thanks

jpete011 wrote:I have a question about increasing reps. If in my last workout I did 12 reps of dumbbell curls at 35 pounds, I should then increase the weight in my next workout, right? It would be perfect if I could increase the weight to, say 37 pounds, but the next dumbbell weight at my gym is 40 pounds. At 40 pounds, I can only do about 5 reps, so it's too heavy. I know that I should keep my reps from 8-12 reps. What should I do? Should I try to do 13 or 14 reps at 35 pounds, or should I move up to 40 pounds? Thanks

There are some workarounds e.g. you can buy 2lbs of chain, and wrap it round the dumbbells. Else there are clip on weights for dumbbells. But moving up to 40lbs won't do you any harm. If you start at 5 reps, the next week you aim for 6 or 7, etc. Or you can try doing 4 of 40lbs and immediately switch to the lighter weight to finish the set e.g. another 4 reps. You don't have to be too prescriptive about it in my experience.

I'd say that's fucked up lol. If you can do 14 or something reps with 35s, you should definitely be able to get 8 with 40s . Forget the 35s, go for the 40s and push yourself(mentally too).

There are a few things you can do.

Step #1 Pause sets: Rest about 5 seconds and try another rep and repeat till you get to at least 8 reps

Step #2 Negatives: Use negative reps once you hit failure til you hit 8 reps or as many reps possible.

Step #3 Change Hand Grip: Use another hand grip I would suggest go straight into your strongest grip a hammer curl or a 1 arm cross-body hammer curl after hitting failure with normal curls.

Step #4 Cheat curls: Use your body to swing out a few more reps.

After 2 weeks of following one of the the above you should hit 8 reps with normal curls.

I would suggest going for step 3 and try to avoid step 4 you might get an injury with cheats.

I would take the heaver weight, get the clean reps and then when you are spent, drop down the lower weight and finish off the reps you missed.
4 reps at 40 and then immediately 8 reps at 35.