1. [Home](https://www.workoutsmart.com/)
2. [Ask Dan](https://www.workoutsmart.com/ask-dan)
3. [Weight Training](https://www.workoutsmart.com/ask-dan/weight-training)

Weight Training

# I have just started working out and on one day split up my workouts but…

The question

I have just started working out and on one day split up my workouts but for example i do 5 exercises for biceps with 5 sets but how do i know how much i should lift when im done im tired but i still feel that i could do more. First set i do 15 pounds 15 times to warm up then i do 20 pounds 12 times twice then i do twenty five pounds 8 times twice and then 30 pounds once. I do this for a few different types of exersice and of course I'm sore afterwards but i dont feel tight its like i should lift more, should I?

Dan's answer

Dan Wirth, MA, CSCS

For people who are highly motivated, it is always hard to know when to stop\! From what you have said you do, this is more than enough. Believe me, it is always better to leave the gym feeling like you could have done a little more than to leave completed wasted\! If I were you I would try focusing more on doing less sets and using more weight\!

Dan designed the periodization models the Wave Engine runs.

See how the Wave Engine turns his programming rules into your workouts.

[How the Wave Engine works](https://www.workoutsmart.com/wave-engine)

## More in Weight Training

- [I am presently taking the 4 day bodybuilding course. My question is should you wait 48 hrs. between workouts, or can you do them on consecutive days?](https://www.workoutsmart.com/ask-dan/weight-training/i-am-presently-taking-the/504)
- [I currently am working my muscles to failure one day, and doing alternating sets the other. I have read may not be as good I previously thought. Yet, if I do actual pre-determined sets for each exericse, won't my muscles adapt to what I'm doing? I want to keep my workout spontaneous and keep my muscles growing to their full potential. Any help is appreciated, thanks.](https://www.workoutsmart.com/ask-dan/weight-training/i-currently-am-working-my/739)
- [I will be starting the 4-Day Get Lean Program and had a quick question. I know the weights for the sets are calculated from our strength tests, but are we supposed to basically reach failure by the end of each set. For example, if it says 15@25lbs. should I barely be able to do 25, and if it seems easy, do I increase the weight or the number of reps?](https://www.workoutsmart.com/ask-dan/weight-training/i-will-be-starting-the/265)
- [Should all sets end at failure. With some of the exercises listed in my program the weight is way to low for that many reps. For example, the toe press is listed at 35lbs for 12 reps, but i can do 12 reps with 140lbs. I was just curious](https://www.workoutsmart.com/ask-dan/weight-training/should-all-sets-end-at/576)
- [Is working out one muscle group a day enough to gain weight and strength. and howmuch rest would i need For example Day 1 Legs Day 2 Arms Day 3 Chest Day 4 Shoulders Day 5 Back](https://www.workoutsmart.com/ask-dan/weight-training/is-working-out-one-muscle/1712)


## Train on the programs Dan writes.

[Start 14 days free](https://www.workoutsmart.com/signup)