Weight.......WAIT....

My lastest endeavor is basically circuit training. I start at the end of a long line of machines and work my way through them all……then I start over again. I usually do 3 sets with 12-15 reps in each set. It takes me about an hour or so and I’ve worked up a pretty good sweat when I’m done! The upper body is coming along…but is definitely my weak area. The pull down Lat I’m up to 65 lbs..and I’ve just reached 75 lbs for the pullover. My triceps suck!! I can’t seem to get beyond 35 lbs….and that’s both arms working together…:( I’m finally at 45 lbs (on a good day) for the front butterfly.

For the lower half….on the sitting leg press I’m up to 195 lbs. Hip adductor/abductor…90 lbs pressing out….140 lbs pressing in. I don’t know what the name of the machine is …….but it’s the one where you’re laying on your stomach and curling your legs up…50 lbs.

Miscellaneous other machines for abs…

I’ve gotten pretty comfortable with these machines, but have tried to not get too complacent. I continue to raise the weight by 5 or 10 lbs….about once a week. What I’m wondering is……

Should I continue to keep raising the pounds …or at some point should I increase the sets?

I have no problem climbing on just about any machine…but I’ve seriously avoided lifting the free weights….why is that? I’ve watched enough people do them that I’m quite knowledgeable on their uses, but I can’t seem to get up the courage to venture over to that part of the gym.
Totally pathetic…..I know.

So...I forced myself to that end of the gym this evening when it seemed pretty quiet in that area..and guess what...it wasn't so bad. I'm limiting myself to just a few things for now, so I can get comfortable with a simple routine. All I can say is.....there is a huge difference between the machines and the free weights! I'm definitely a little sorer. Guess I'll be hanging out in that area a little more in the future.