Signs You Might Need to Lift Heavier Weights

If you’re about to hit the weights floor, but you’re still kind of unsure if you’re using the right weights, listen up! Knowing when to pick a heavier set of dumbbells, or add extra weight to your barbell can be tricky.

You don’t want to slack off but you also don’t want to collapse under a much too heavy weight– or worse, give yourself an injury. Here are a few signs that indicate you can add on weights:

1. It’s all about technique

Once you’ve nailed the technique, you’re feeling the burn in all the right places and your body is feeling really good lifting the weights you’re at, that’s one sign it’s time to up the ante!

2. You could do this for days

When you get the feeling you could go on lifting the weight you’re currently at for a long, long time that’s usually an indicator you’re ready to either speed up you reps, increase your reps significantly, or boost the weight. 

3. Your progress is lagging

If you’ve stopped making gains in terms of your fitness, strength and body shape, it could be time to step up! Adding a little bit of weight, going for an extra rep or set could make the difference. After all, doing the same thing gives the same result.

4. Don’t over complicate things

People get so confused about weights: how much to lift and when to lift more, but really if you stop and think about it, it’s common sense. Start light, nail the technique, progress when you feel you’re ready, don’t get too impatient and leap from 5 lbs to 40 lbs.