Depends on what your goal is.... If you want to basically tone and get cardiopoints then major reps with light weights is a good goal.  This will improve endurance. However, if you would like to increase the muscle mass ie bulk up a bit or really increase strength then you do need to add weight to really challenge the muscle with a goal of being able to complete 8-12 reps/set x 2-3 sets (with a break in between).  Either way, you do need to continue to challenge your body or you'll plateau... If you keep using home weights, maybe do different sorts of squats/ add in some floor work/ or fitness ball and core balance work.  It may be worthwhile to have a consultation with a trainer to find the best exercises that match your goals. hope this helps. 

Original Post by eteryn:

Depends on what your goal is.... If you want to basically tone and get cardiopoints then major reps with light weights is a good goal. 

 This is not true, if you want to "tone" (increase muscle definition) than you can either make your muscles bigger, or burn the fat that is covering them.  Heavy weights work better for either of those goals than light weights.

If your current weights are enough of a challenge you can always improvise some heavier weights at home (fill milk jugs with rocks, put on a backpack full of books, etc).

"THE FLOG: Heavy weights work better for either of those goals than light weights."

I beg to differ for a few reasons: if going to the gym is such a bother and 16lbs is what she is use to using -- shes still going to get results doing weighted squats -- even at 16lbs.  I think the more appropriate response to assist in this circumstance would be to suggest improving form, depth and varying squats with lounges with 16lbs, BEFORE adding more weight.  I know the difference between a crappy squt and a really deep, glute hurting squat.  Doing one properly first before uppign weight is a worthy and viable goal. :)

I've done the above, and in 8 weeks -- I've reshaped my a$$ quite nicely.  Adding more weight doesn't seem like the right answer at this point, in my humble opinion.

My point was that heavy weights are more effective for both building muscle and burning fat. Do you disagree with this?

Do you have any reason to believe that the original poster doesn't use proper form? of go deep enough?  The OP said she knows she can squat more weight and I suggested ways of doing so without breaking the bank.

I also never said she wouldn't get results using 16lbs, depending on her goals 16lbs might be the best weight to use, but if she is looking to "tone" her results will be less than optimal if she keeps the low weight/high rep scheme that eteryn suggests.

Thanks for all of the responses -- and disagreements

I feel that I perform squats very correctly.  I was taking a strength training class for over a year and we did plenty of them there with the instructor always telling (or yelling) us to sit back lower and keep the knees back over the feet.  I've also used a mirror when squatting and they look right.  I also do the plie squats along with the regulars.

My object is to tone and strengthen, not really gain muscle.  I guess it wouldn't hurt to make the voyage to my second gym (at my work) and increase the weights for a month and see if there's a difference.  If not I'll stick with slow 16lb squats.

Flogging:  I

I don't disagree with the science of heavy weights/muscle/fatburning.  I don't think its always applicable, though.

As for proper form -- I see about 20+ reasons a week why i'd suggest shes may not be using proper form or depth, because i see other people "squat" at my gym.  :)  Did you notice the OP said she feels a burn currently, and after how many reps?   I'd suggest to the OP before anything else, to make sure she can properly squat (with depth, and slowness) at 16lbs, before even bothering with more weight.  There are plenty of challenging squats and moves a person can use with 16lbs added to their shoulders.  

Lastly, less than optimal means what, exactly?  that she could shape/sculpt her booty up faster?  say in 4 weeks, as opposed to "4 1/2"?  curious. 

[mind you its taken me 8 weeks of being unable to sit on my rear to get mine changed...if it only could have taken me 7...i might consider it. :)]

Why do people freak out over the notion of lifting heavier weights?

Original Post by spirochete:

Why do people freak out over the notion of lifting heavier weights?

 who's freaking out?