Advice/help re building muscle shoulders/arms/back

[Franfitness1990]

Hi all,

I am new to Bodybuilding.com currently on a fitness journey, my main goal is to build upper body strength, definition in my shoulders arms and back.

I am currently doing the below using 5kg on each side.
Lateral front raises 4 sets 8 reps
lat side raises 4 sets 8 reps
bicep curls 4 sets 8 reps
shoulder press 4 sets 8 reps
Arnold press 4 sets 8 reps
dumbbell reverse fly 4 sets 8 reps

kettlebell swings 8kg

Lat machine 15kg 4 sets of 8


I have read online that using 5kg wont touch the sides, fine to use this to perfect form but that I need to up the weight and do less reps, is this right? do I do this progressively each time im doing the workout, or is this per week, per couple of weeks? I have read conflicting info online.

I follow a high protein diet, eating well. cardio 2 times a week

any advice would be really great, I want to make sure I am on the right path.

Thank you

[etet1919]

Hi Fran! My advice would be to focus on gaining strength through a program such as Fierce 5 or All Pros....professionally designed programs carefully structured, and located in the subforum stickies.

You'll gain strength first, and muscular definition will usually come in last, through hard consistent work, conditioning and following a nutritionally sound diet. Have you taken a look through that subforum, as well?

When you begin, and throughout your lifting journey, you will need to pick barbells ( or kettlebells, DBs, resistance on a machine) that challenge you...producing muscular fatigue or failure within that (8-12) rep range....

[hardyboysare]

I think it would be best for you to follow a proven balanced training program as it takes a lot of the confusion out of what will work and is it effective for muscle development here are a few I recommend:-

https://liftvault.com/programs/stren...m-spreadsheet/ - Strong Curves

https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showt...9172473&page=1 - Allpro

https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showt...9678631&page=1 - Fierce 5

https://stronglifts.com/5x5/#gref - Strong Lifts

https://atlargenutrition.com/baby-got-back-routine/ - Baby got back

You need to progressively overload the muscle with a combination of weight intensity and volume. As you wish to build strength the weight progression is key. Follow as the programs state for progressive overload and you will build muscle.

For your nutrition you will need to be aiming to slowly gain weight to optimize muscle growth as a female around 1-1.5lbs a month increase in weight is optimal for muscle development (this will be around a 150-250 caloric surplus). Please read this link for all info related to nutrition including caloric level and macros:-

https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showt...hp?t=173439001

Add cardio as you wish but ensure weight training is the priority combined with ensuring you are gaining weight slowly and not in a caloric deficit. As for your question of progression the programs will explain all but generally the idea is to increase either weight or volume weekly until you can no longer progress and then it will slow down to every other week. I personally advise sticking to weight increase weekly as this will offer the best development of strength but again follow the program for more in depth procedure.

[ChesticleGainz]

I think it would be best for you to follow a proven balanced training program as it takes a lot of the confusion out of what will work and is it effective for muscle development here are a few I recommend:-

You need to progressively overload the muscle with a combination of weight intensity and volume. As you wish to build strength the weight progression is key. Follow as the programs state for progressive overload and you will build muscle.

For your nutrition you will need to be aiming to slowly gain weight to optimize muscle growth as a female around 1-1.5lbs a month increase in weight is optimal for muscle development (this will be around a 150-250 caloric surplus). Please read this link for all info related to nutrition including caloric level and macros:-

Add cardio as you wish but ensure weight training is the priority combined with ensuring you are gaining weight slowly and not in a caloric deficit. As for your question of progression the programs will explain all but generally the idea is to increase either weight or volume weekly until you can no longer progress and then it will slow down to every other week. I personally advise sticking to weight increase weekly as this will offer the best development of strength but again follow the program for more in depth procedure.

This is perfect advice.