PRCD knows more about the science of lifting for sure. But in my own experience, as a lifting newb, who was also trying to juggle surfing and cardio and the gym… I found higher reps and lower weights *in the beginning* to be beneficial.Alternate weeks like this:
Monday:
low bar back squat 3 sets x 5 (pronounced "FAHVE") reps
Bench: 3 sets x 5 (pronounced "FAHVE") reps
DL: 1 set of 5RM
Wednesday
low bar back squat 3 sets x 5 (pronounced "FAHVE") reps
Press: 3 sets x 5 (pronounced "FAHVE") reps
chin-ups: 3 sets to failure until you get strong enough to do 3 x 5 weighted
Friday:
low bar back squat 3 sets x 5 (pronounced "FAHVE") reps
Bench: 3 sets x 5 (pronounced "FAHVE") reps
DL: 1 set of 5RM
Monday:
low bar back squat 3 sets x 5 (pronounced "FAHVE") reps
Press: 3 sets x 5 (pronounced "FAHVE") reps
chin-ups: 3 sets to failure until you get strong enough to do 3 x 5 weighted
Wednesday
low bar back squat 3 sets x 5 (pronounced "FAHVE") reps
Bench: 3 sets x 5 (pronounced "FAHVE") reps
DL: 1 set of 5RM
Friday:
low bar back squat 3 sets x 5 (pronounced "FAHVE") reps
Press: 3 sets x 5 (pronounced "FAHVE") reps
chin-ups: 3 sets to failure until you get strong enough to do 3 x 5 weighted
I must warn you ahead of time that getting big and strong makes you "right wing." Also quit running and cycling. If you must do cardio, take up smoking.
reason being: I was still figuring out form, so it felt safer with less weight. Plus, it felt less taxing on my joints when I was already tired from a surf or whatever.