A question about reps, pyramid and side lunges

[BeaBaby]

I'm sure this question has been asked a million times, but for the reps I've been doing:

Squats:
12 x 8kg
10 x 10kg
8 x 12kg
6 x 14kg
12 x 10kg

Leg press:
12 x 82kg

Is this right?

Am I supposed to lift to failure on the leg press for just 12 reps after completeing the squats? It just doesn't seem like a lot to do on the leg press...

Also, does anyone do side lunges? My trainer took me through some and they seemed to work the inner thighs pretty good...

Thanks to anyone who can reply!

Bea.

[LoisT]

You aren't supposed to lift to failure.

12 x = 50%
10 x = 60%
8 x = 70%
6 x = 80%
12 x = 90%

Last 12 x = 100%

There is no real wrong or right, it's different for every person.
If you stick to the intensity levels and keep going up in weight when it becomes easier to do, then you should be just fine.

I don't know about the side lunges, I do the normal ones.

Lois

[Chris]

I once heard this tip: Instead of looking for the things other people aren't doing, focus on what they ARE doing. It's in reference to drastically different lifts. There are no magic lifts that will give magic results. That being said, if a simple variation makes the exercise more effective, there's nothing wrong with trying it.

How does this apply to you? Side lunges might be ok, I don't know. But if it seems totally wacky, it might be. Keep it simple and do the normal power lifts, adding in those other interesting variations on your second exercise. The best lifts are: Bench press, shoulder press, deadlift, and squat. Good luck!