Weight Training Question

Ok for you weight lifters out there...i've been going to the gym steadily since I was 3 months out from surgery.....and started to add weight training to my routine at 4 months out.   The last 3 months or so, I've cut back on cardio slightly (I still do 20 minutes of intense interval training...rotating from treadmill to the cross trainer to the step machine...to the bike...every time I work out), and added more weight training.    I train to failure....i know people's opinions vary on it, but it seems to work for me.   Ok so here's my questions:   I've noticed in the past month or so, that I don't get as "sore" after work outs..and by the next day there is almost no soreness left.     Granted that sounds like a good thing, but I've always looked at the soreness as an indication that I've done a good work out.     I've slowly increased numbers of reps and amount of weight I'm lifting and am still training to failure (I normally do 3 reps of 15-20..and then do a 4th rep if I didn't get to the point of failure during 3 which is rare).    So is this normal ...or am I doing something wrong?   I'd like to think that I was just getting extra fit, but I don't want to take any chances that I'm not working out to my fullest potential.   If it makes a difference, I rotate between upper body/abs and lower body/abs during my work outs.   I work my abs and back every time I work out (trying to build up my core), in addtion at least 5 days a week at home I do an extra 15 minutes of exercises at home....sit ups, squats, push ups...etc..again I rotate on this also.     Thanks for your imput.  Scott

Switch the order of your excersises around, or instead of doing 3 sets of 15, increase the weight and do 6 sets of 7. There are many variables to play with aside from just weight and number of reps..  Try doing the reps slower. Do a slow slow negative and an explosive posative..

The soreness will return :)

It sounds like your body is getting used to your workouts.  Just swich it up a little.  Do more weight with less reps or try different exercises.  Change up the routine a little. Scott

Scottie, First congrads on the loss and for sharing your routine. The training I received and have always followed is:   low weight , high rep = toning and tightening   higher weight, low reps = build bulk/mass   min 8 reps or weight is too heavy   max 12-15 reps, if failure is not reached; weight is too low   min of 3 sets per exercise with 1-2 mins between sets (time it takes a buddy to do his set)   form is more important than heavy weights   controling the weight/slow steady motion/rep in both directions shapes the muscle best   alternate some weight lifting days periodically for free exercise (push ups, pull ups, dips) or isometrics If I'm not pumped or tight the next day then on the next lifting day I might try upping the weight or blast myself with as many reps as I can muster each set even if I have to drop the weight  each set to keep the reps up.  After three sets with 20-30 reps (sometimes 40) each, there should be something going on for you. Great job with the dedication to your program.  I 'm not back into it like I was but am getting back.  I just got a new bench and weights at Christmas and need to get going like when I was in my 30's. Joe  

I'm a little confused Scott. are you trying to say you do 3 or 4 Sets instead of reps? If so, then try doing your sets in the 8 to 10 range with heavier weight as was earlier suggested. You know I don't like training to failure but if that's your thing then try pyramid weights with a buddy or stripping weights. there's all kinds of ways to get that last rep that kills you. you might try what I do and that's supersets. It keeps the weight down but is a real hard workout. don't do these unless you feel you're at least at the intermediate level of lifting. otherwise it's dangerous. also, another suggestion for the hundreth time, do Dave's routine of basic compound lifts with heavy weights. if that doesn't do for you nothing will! it just sounds like your body is getting used to your routine and you need to step it up a notch. try outguessing your body. by that i mean if you know it's say chest and back day then fine, but don't do the same exercises. go in the gym and do chest and back but all different exercises when you go in. keep your muscles guessing. Good luck and congrats on gettting back in the gym......Carbonblob