YMCA Strength Training

Today our regular instructor was out sick so we had a sub.  The YMCA has two different types of Strength Training classes.  The one I usually go to on Saturday is called Strength Train Together and it's all weight training with the bar.  This instructor teaches the other one that's just called Strength Training.  It's kind of like a combo between Strength Train Together and Core Conditioning.  We use the bar but we also use the step, plates and a band.  I think I got a good workout in but it didn't seem as intense as the normal class. 

I was actually kind of proud of myself because I was using the largest plates almost the entire time but then I realized it's the same weight as the medium plates with the XS plates.  There are four different plate sizes.  L which is 11 lbs.  M which is 8.25 lbs.  S which is 5.5 lbs.  And XS which is 2.75 lbs.  It's hard to figure out different weight factors.  You want to add or reduce weight but it can be confusing.  M and XS together on the bar equals 11 lbs, the same as the L plates by themselves.  I've actually been using M and XS pretty often so I've been lifting 22 lbs this whole time.  M and S plates together actually equal out to 13.75 lbs, which is more than the L plates by themselves.  And XS and S together actually equal 8.25 lbs, the same as M by itself so might as well just use the M plates.  I'm trying to figure out how to adjust my weights properly but it's hard to keep track of what plus what equals what and if it's the same or more than I was doing.  I have to keep adding them up in my head during class when I need to increase or decrease weight factor.