Intensity is
the amount of effort and energy you put
toward physical activity.
For our purposes,
low intensity training means to train
with lower resistance. High intensity
would be training at a greater resistance.
Intensity
Level
0 = No
resistance, 0% effort, sitting on the couch
5 = Medium
resistance, 50% effort, some fatigue
10 = Much resistance,
100% effort, near muscle failure
Building muscle
requires medium to high intensity ranges.
You will need to determine your intensity
levels that will correspond to your weight
lifting routine.
Training to
complete failure using all out effort requires
high intensity ranges. Training to failure
is required for maximum muscle growth. High
intensity effort triggers the body to produce
more of the hormones that stimulate muscle
recovery and growth.
If you're just
starting a workout program, you may want
to start somewhere in the intensity level
of 3-5 so that you can focus on proper form.
After 8 weeks of training you should have
increased your intensity level into the
8 - 10 range.
