This feels like a stupid question but, when I use them, this means they count as 8 lb weights, right?
Yep, you always count the bar (especially with barbells, where the bar can weigh a lot all by itself).
Me, the font of endless questions X3
As you may have noticed, I love questions like this because I can geek out about an enthusiasm of mine. And I'm sure I'm not the only one in the comm who feels that way. So ask away!
if I should be aiming for 8-12 reps, how many sets should I be aiming for?
Again, rule of thumb, but 3. There's been some to-ing and fro-ing in the research about whether one set might be just as effective, but IIRC it was coming down on the side of "3 is better, though you can still get significant improvements from one set".
Also any advice for "I pushed myself really hard yesterday and today my quads are killing me"?
Hot bath with Epsom salts in, a warming massage oil/salve/rub (Lush and Neal's Yard do good ones), and avoiding stairs. *g*
Yay surprise free equipment!
Yep, you always count the bar (especially with barbells, where the bar can weigh a lot all by itself).
Me, the font of endless questions X3
As you may have noticed, I love questions like this because I can geek out about an enthusiasm of mine. And I'm sure I'm not the only one in the comm who feels that way. So ask away!
if I should be aiming for 8-12 reps, how many sets should I be aiming for?
Again, rule of thumb, but 3. There's been some to-ing and fro-ing in the research about whether one set might be just as effective, but IIRC it was coming down on the side of "3 is better, though you can still get significant improvements from one set".
Also any advice for "I pushed myself really hard yesterday and today my quads are killing me"?
Hot bath with Epsom salts in, a warming massage oil/salve/rub (Lush and Neal's Yard do good ones), and avoiding stairs. *g*