[asantewaa]

Hello. I started working out about a week ago. My upper body is weak, so I started working with 15lb dumbells. After my first two workouts, I could feel a dull pain in my muscles the day after that went away in a day. But after my third workout, which was of the same intensity, the weights were still difficult to lift but I didn't feel the same burn as I did after the first two workouts.

Were the first two workouts too much, or should I increase the amount of weight now?

How much weight should I add per week to increase muscle mass?

[braindx]

you should be sore the next day after every workout you do. that means that your muscles were overstimulated and your body is trying to compensate for the overworking (hypertrophy) by adding new muscle mass.

you should probably increase the weight. what you want to have happen is about this: you want to be able to do 3 sets with 1-2 minute breaks in between sets of about 5-10 repetitions each. on your second set your muscle should be getting really tired out. on the third you should be struggling to get the last few and at times may not be able to complete it. this ensures that you will be overstimulating your muscle.

[asantewaa]

Thanks. I increased the weight to 25 pounds on Sunday. My arms are still sore!

[braindx]

don't overtrain yourself though. you should only work them out about 2-3 times a week max. you need to have time to let the muscles regrow. be sure to eat lots of protein along with your diet.