How do I know how much weight to lift ?

[ItalianRacer7]

I have been working out for a couple of months now before I took a trip for two months and stopped for that period of time, but anyway, I had a trainer at first but now financially I cannot really afford it, but I still have a gym membership.

When I worked out with him [3x a week], he would always set the weight for me and tell me what to lift, so I just took the weight and did it. He did my programs, etc. and I, probably foolishly, did not pay attention or bother to write it down, always thinking I would just be going to him.

So now I am stuck with how much weight I should be lifting. Is it a trial and error type thing, like see how much I can fit into a set, or is there some sort of calculated way to determine a number ?

I may be asking in the wrong section, and I most likely missed some sort of clarification or a thread someone made about this, so some direction would be appreciated.

Cheers.

[PeterGibbons316]

Just lift more than you did the last time.

[MuscleTechJake]

Start off with light weight to warm up (something you can do 20+ reps of easily). If you're looking to do sets of 10, try and select a weight which you're able to complete just about 10 reps, not much more or less.

[ItalianRacer7]

Just lift more than you did the last time.

Thing is, I really have not been able to formulate a workout plan or schedule or anything. Your suggestion is logical assuming I had one, because obviously with more time comes more strength. But I have no workout plan. I was hoping figuring out weight amounts would be the first step.

Or unless I am doing this backwards ?

[ItalianRacer7]

Start off with light weight to warm up (something you can do 20+ reps of easily). If you're looking to do sets of 10, try and select a weight which you're able to complete just about 10 reps, not much more or less.

So basically just trial and error ? Get a feel for different weights and eventually find one that works ?

[PeterGibbons316]

Do this: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=131379243

[Steve2402]

So basically just trial and error ? Get a feel for different weights and eventually find one that works ?

Yep trial and error. Start light and work your way up.