light weight training for a beginner who wants to get big!?

[Mr.Hash wid da Stash]

Hi all!
So I finally joined the gym and didn't really know where to start out. So the guy you runs the place put me on a light workout plan to begin with.

I forgot most of the names of the exercises right now, but there are 8 of them.

Leg Press- 20reps of 80lbs
Crunches- 20
benchpress- 15reps 60lbs

There are 5 other exercizes too but I forget there names. Anyway they involve barbells and some other things.

Anyway the point I'm trying to make is, well it's too easy! WHY WOULD HE WANT ME TO START OFF SO SLOW!? I heard that to get big, you gotta lift big!? Why would he start me on such a light workout plan? I reckon I could leg press 120lbs. I've never done any gym work before but I want to get BIG! What should I do, stick with this easy plan or what? Thanks guys

 

[Jimbo2k]

You should have asked the trainer that, he woulda told you right there.

Your body has to get accustomed to using all these new muscles it hasnt really used before. Belive me, I started doing more than I should have, and I was sore for 4 days. I had immense trouble even dressing myself I was so sore.

I wasn't even doing that much compared to what I could have, but it still ended up that way. You gota start off slow, and get accustomed to it.

Im not sure how long after you start should you start increasing the weights, im sure one of the more knowlegable ones here could offer insight.

 

[Templeton]

Jimbo is pretty much on the money there. I might add that you need to learn the actual technique, coordination and balance as well, so lighter weights should be employed during this time. I would actually have you use lighter weights (as your are already doing) but LESS reps than your trainer has prescribed. Note that light even at this time is relative, performing DB presses (for example) with 5lb DBs won't give you a true impression of the movement.

Learn the moves, get your body used to training then gradually increase the weights and intensity as you feel able - listen to your body.

 

[Soshyopathe]

You think you have your technique down good enough to be benching 4-6 reps at 80% of your 1rm?

You have to get used to the motions, to the feeling, to the mental aspect before you even think about dropping down to 4-6 reps. 10 is a good number to start out on, and a newbie will put on a lot of muscle on a 10-rep routine.

After a few months you can drop your reps and up your weight, and you will explode.