By Coach Kristin

One of the most common questions we get as coaches is: what weight should I use today? There can be a host of different factors when making weight choices, but here are a couple Do’s and Don’ts to consider as you make your choice each day:

1. DON’T choose such a heavy weight that you sacrifice the intensity of the workout. If you’re going to spend as much time breathing heavy looking at your barbell on the floor during a metcon as you are actually moving your body, maybe go a little lighter so you can get the work in.

2. DO try new weights. If those 15lb dumbbells have been your ‘safe space’ for the last month, give the 20lb ones a shot today. Your workout might feel a bit harder, and maybe your time is a bit slower, but your capacity for fitness has just grown—go you!

3. DO consider going a little lighter if you’re overtired, stressed, or overworked. We don’t often give ourselves the space to acknowledge that not every day is a new 1RM day. If your body is giving you signals that today you need to lighten the load, then listen to those signals and move with that intention in mind.

As your coaches, we’re always available to help you choose weights for each workout—but you know yourself best. We want you to feel empowered in picking how your weights will function in your workout today, and advance your fitness as well. Happy exercising!