Lifting weights?!

Lifting weights?

when i go to the gym is it better to do less reps with heavier weights or more reps with light weights?

It depends what your goals are, regulary performing more than 12 repitions per set is an invitation for tendonitis or other repetitive-use injuries.

I'd say if you are new to weightlifting make your target number of repetitions 10---BUT, that doesn't mean you should stop a set when you reach ten repititions. Instead, strive with each set to work to MUSCLE FAILURE, that is the pointwhere you are literally incapable of performing an additional repetition of the exercise. You'll notice pretty soon that this also means not giving up on a set until you have a nice generalized burn in the target muscle (never in the joint) before it is time to quit.

So even if your target number is 10 reps, if you reach ten and you still have energy to spare keep going, even if you get to 12 or 13 before hitting muscle failure. Now you have a built in system to know how to adjust the weight t use from set to set: anytime you only get eight or fewer, go a little lighter next time, if you get between nine and eleven, keep it the same, but anytime you complete a set with 12 or more reps executed with good form, you know to add a little weight before your next set.

After lifting this way for six weeks or so you could try a six-week phase going a little heavier, making 8 reps your goal, feel free to change up what you're doing every month and a half or so.

And remember, beginners make fast progress so anytime you notice you are using the same weights you did three weeks previous, you need to remember to push yourself a little harder.

Good Luck.