bench press: more weight or more reps?

[smurfitup]

Hey guys,
So I do my chest and triceps 3x a week. For my chest, I start out with the bench press and I do one set of 12, one set of 10, and one set of 8 all at 90 lbs. My question is if I should start doing fewer reps/sets using higher weights. I'm 6"1, 225. Thanks.

[fitnessfreak]

do u want to build your chest up or are u more interested in toning?

[Efourdee]

If you want to tone, then lose fat. If you want to get a stronger bench then bench heavier weights.

[nation]

i thought you can just lift really heavy, gain strength, and still burn fat without gaining mass as long as you are running at a calorie deficit (or maintenance). lifting high reps is better for almost a cardio type workout.

thremp correct me if i'm wrong (that was dumb you will anyways)

[thirddan]

nation, people can gain some strength while at a caloric deficit w/o gaining size...but at an extreme or moderate deficit it will be tough to gain strength, most try to maintain strength during deficit periods...

smurf, if you want to get stronger, lift heavy...if you want more size, eat to gain and lift heavy...if you want to get more definition in your muscles then eat less and lose body fat...also, why are you doing chest/tri 3x/week? what kind of program are you on?

[SmileyEH]

This thread is going places!!!!!!!!!!!

[smurfitup]

hey,
i'm not on any formal program. i just try to go to the gym 6x/week and alternate the days i do chest/triceps and the days i do back/biceps/shoulders (i do 20 mins on the treadmill every day too). is there something wrong with this type of program?

[smurfitup]

i want toning.