Weight Training: Heavy vs. Reps

Grace DeSimone & Neal Pire, Fitness Experts - Guest Bio
Neal PierNeal Pire is a nationally noted expert on fitness and personal training. He is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and has served on the Executive Council of ACSM's credentialing arm, the Committee on Certification and Registry Boards.

Neal served as vice president of a leading national health management company and as an Exercise Physiologist at HNH Fitness, a medical fitness center in Oradell, NJ. He is widely sought after as a consultant for athlete training programs, performance enhancement centers and fitness industry management. As a 35-year veteran with deep understanding of the subject matter, he is often asked for background, commentary or analysis by media covering wellness, fitness, and personal training.


Grace DeSimone Grace DeSimone
has been in the fitness industry for over 30 years and brings a variety of experiences in commercial, corporate and community settings. She is the editor of ACSMs Resources for Group Exercise Instructors (LWW, 2011) and is an ACSM certified personal trainer and group exercise instructor. Grace is the National Director of Group Fitness for Plus One Health Management, an Optum Company.
  • Topic Info:It’s important to have weight training as part of your workout regimen.

    But, you may wonder which technique is better. Should you stick with light weights and a lot of reps? Maybe you should use heavy weights and use fewer reps. How do you know what’s right for you?

    You have to look at your personal weight training goals. If you're just getting started, you might stick with lighter weights and more reps. Light weights are good for endurance and toning.

    If you're working on your strength or building muscle, work with heavier weights and fewer reps.

    If you regularly lift, you can vary your workouts. Do 8-12 repetitions with moderate to heavy weights some days for major change. Work out with lighter weights in fitness classes.

    Listen in as fitness experts, Grace DeSimone and Neal Pire, discuss which weight training technique is best for you.
  • Host:Melanie Cole, MS