How to Increase Weight Lifting Intensity

Step 1

Before we talk intensity let's talk hydration. The amount of stress and energy you'll be demanding of your body is going to demand some fuel; and there's no body-fuel more spectacular than good old fashioned H2O. Make sure that you're carrying a bottle or jug of water into workouts with you and drinking from it as much as you can.

Step 2

Now let's talk intensity. An intense workout will take less time complete, but will require more of your body than any other type of workout. You're looking at sessions of only 30-45 minutes with rest periods of 20 seconds or less between each set, and no rest periods when switching to different exercises.

Step 3

In order to maintain this kind of serious intensity, I personally use pre-workout. Sometimes that might just be a cup of hot coffee- other times, when I really need to push myself into 12th gear, I use MuscleTech Pro Series Neurocore Supplement, Icy Blue Raspberry 8.99 oz. This pre-workout gives me the advantage that I need when I step into the weight room with plans to quickly and intensely demolish the exercises I have in store.

Step 4

Alright, you're hydrated and you've got your jug or bottle of water. I would be wide-eyed from pre-workout. The gym door opens. What next?

Step 5

You go full throttle, that's what. The second your hands touch the first dumbbell, barbell, pull-up bar, or cable, you unleash the beast within and don't dare consider caging it back up until the workout is over and done with.

Step 6

No matter which body part you're doing on any given day, you'll follow a similar pattern of exercises; which goes as follows...

Step 7

First you'll perform an exercise that requires whichever muscle group you're working for the day to lift a lot of weight. For example: military presses for your delts. You'll do four (4) sets of 8-10 reps on this first exercise, keeping the weight heavy and the rest periods 20 seconds or less.

Step 8

As soon as you finish the last set of your first exercise you'll jump right into the second exercise. No rest period. Get right in and get movin'. The second exercise will be a lightweight movement that forces your muscle to act with speed. For example: front/side/post raises for your delts. 3 sets of 15 reps will suffice- again, 20 seconds or less of rest periods between each set.

Step 9

No rest after the final set of this exercise either, just a flash jump right into the third exercise which will revert back to increased weight. You should have a raised heart-rate by now and sweat won't be a stranger. Same deal though: 20 seconds of rest or less in between each set. An example of the third exercise would be upright cable rows for your delts. 3 more sets of 8-10.

Step 10

Last exercise, hurry to it! The final exercise will be an active movement that demands your entire body, which is alreader under the strain of high intensity, to contribute as much as possible. You'll do 3 sets of as many reps as you can possibly do, and only rest for 10 seconds between each set. An example exercise would be weighted forward arm circles for your delts. This exercise will tax your cardiovascular and muscular endurance and you will feel the limit of your ability to strive for weight lifting intensity. It is the peak of the mountain, the end of the needle on the speedometer in your sports car. You can do it.

Step 11

After you complete the fourth and final exercise, take some time to breathe, hydrate, and then stretch slowly and deliberately until your heart-rate returns to normal and your body is able to function at an appropriate level.