Hammer Weight
Hammer Weight
I've been using the 16 lbs hammer for quite a while, 5x/wk ~15-17 minutes each session. I vary the number of sets and reps (e.g., 21-14-7, 25-15, 13-13-13, etc.) using 10 different exercises. I'm curious as to when others moved up to a higher hammer. Were you consistently finishing your workout below 14-15 minutes, or significantly doing more reps. I feel like I can move up to 18lbs, but don't know if it's worth it yet. Thanks.
Every time I've upgraded I've been surprised twice. First, I was surprised at just how damn heavy a few extra pounds can seem. Then, maybe just a couple of weeks later, I was surprised at how normal it felt already.
Don't expect to be able to do your full routine right off the bat. I'd know off a few reps, maybe even cut them in half, from each movement and ease up. Better to play it save, and as I mentioned, I think you'll be surprised at how soon you're back up to your old cruising speed again.
One little caveat: you won't progress evenly in all the movements. Some will stay harder longer. Don't let that bug you. Just make progress where you can and indulge the stubborn moves with a little extra patience.
Another little caveat: I've only upgraded twice in my entire 8+ year shovelglove career (12 pounds to 16 pounds to 20 pounds). And I think the fact that I did it so infrequently was helpful (and not just financially). Every time you upgrade there is an element of risk -- of injury, or it just being upleasantly, discouragingly hard so you give up, etc. So upgrade sparingly. There's no rush. Save some of that thrill of progress for later years -- you'll find your pretty much permanent plateau soon enough (I don't think I'll ever go beyond my current 20 pounder).
Best of luck, whatever you decide -- and congratulations for sticking with it as long as you have.
Reinhard
Don't expect to be able to do your full routine right off the bat. I'd know off a few reps, maybe even cut them in half, from each movement and ease up. Better to play it save, and as I mentioned, I think you'll be surprised at how soon you're back up to your old cruising speed again.
One little caveat: you won't progress evenly in all the movements. Some will stay harder longer. Don't let that bug you. Just make progress where you can and indulge the stubborn moves with a little extra patience.
Another little caveat: I've only upgraded twice in my entire 8+ year shovelglove career (12 pounds to 16 pounds to 20 pounds). And I think the fact that I did it so infrequently was helpful (and not just financially). Every time you upgrade there is an element of risk -- of injury, or it just being upleasantly, discouragingly hard so you give up, etc. So upgrade sparingly. There's no rush. Save some of that thrill of progress for later years -- you'll find your pretty much permanent plateau soon enough (I don't think I'll ever go beyond my current 20 pounder).
Best of luck, whatever you decide -- and congratulations for sticking with it as long as you have.
Reinhard