Weight lifting question

[Droopy]

I've been working out for about a month now and I've been lifting weights in an unconventional manner. I work out on 12 different weight machines designed to work every muscle in the upper body. The machines are numbered 1-12. I start my workout at #1 then I proceed to do all the machines in order. I do one set on each machine before moving to the next. I do three laps starting again at #1 after finishing a set on #12. I guess that is what is called super sets.

A couple of days ago when I went to the gym it was too busy for me to do my super sets. I had to lift conventionally working on one machine then resting a minute before doing my next set on the same machine. I found that this way of lifting was a somewhat more difficult and it seemed to be a better workout.

It seems that doing super sets is more of a cardio workout compared to conventional lifting. I don't rest between machines. But conventional lifting seems more effective on my muscles.

I don't really want to look like a body builder. I just want to lose weight and get stronger. Which weight lifting method should I use to achieve my goals?

[Wetzelbill]

1. be more conventional

Keep your sets at about two per body part 10 to 12 reps each. ( legs higher, about 14 to 16). Rest a lot between sets. Go completely to failure, meaning until you can't do anymore reps and you need a spotter to help you with that last one. Your workouts should be pretty brief and intense. After a few months doing this, you'll have a really good muscle base built up, then at that point still lift conventionally, but make your reps higher and the weight lighter. That way you'll get toned up and you can concentrate more on cardiovascular stuff and lose some weight. Make sure you always rest though. Don't lift more than 4 times a week. Super sets can be thrown in later on once you build up that muscle base, because the more muscular you are the more calories your body actually burns and you will be able to shed some weight a little easier that way.

[Droopy]

2. Thanks Bill

So I'm actually working out with not enough weight. I've been doing 3 sets at 10 reps each. I've only lifted to failure a couple of times, but then I backed off on the weight. So I guess I should increase my weight and drop a set, correct?

[Wetzelbill]

3. yeah that would work

do a few warm up sets that you don't count and then two sets. I used to be an avid weightlifter until I had an injury and I found that going brief and intense is the best way to go. Even for non-bodybuilder types. I was an athlete, then later on lifted just because I loved it and to look better etc. Just make sure what you do feels comfortable on your joints and everything, keep good form and all of that too. 10-12 reps is a pretty good range. 8 to 10 is good too, any lower isn't necessary for the average person. Increase the weight a little and see how that goes for the next few weeks or so, if you don't feel it's working for you or it's too stressful on your joints, increase your reps a little and lower the weight some.

[Droopy]

4. Will do

:)