Weightlifting

[Bluebird]

Does anyone lift weights while at the gym or at home?

I'm not a gym person so I don't use any equipment, but I cycle a lot and lift all day. I've therefore built up a lot of shoulder, leg, and arm muscle over the years. Do you do any muscle training or weightlifting? What weight do you use?

 

[Athena]

I don't, but I should, because this obstacle course I'm doing in September involves... well.... obstacles! Monkey bars, that sort of thing, and although I do have decent upper body and core strength from kickboxing, it's not the same sort of muscle strength you'd get from lifting weights and if I could lift a little of my own body weight, that'd be a good start!

So, I'd also be interested if anyone's got any tips on where to start with weights....

 

[GwenRaiden]

You can both have a loan of Winter if you want.

 

[Skanky Vamp]

I used to do alot of weight lifting, not so much anymore. But honestly, I think resistance training is more beneficial than weight training. I got rid of my home gym and just went with the Bowflex SelectTech and it works really well. That with resistance training is as good as anything you can get in gyms. With the exception of motivation; gyms are great for motivation.

 

[ILLYRIAN]

Gwennie,
resistance training is training the mind to resist any temptation to do anything that can be considered exercise.
Athena,
if you really want to know where to start with weights, I'd recommend the floor.

 

[thrasherpix]

I do...mostly, I pull weights rather than lift them, and when I do lift them then I lift light but for several minutes. I probably have the many, many pull ups (unassisted) I do to thank more for my muscular arms, and the aerobics for my legs (though I do plenty of leg presses as well, usually being relatively light but for several minutes, unless others are waiting to use it). I've actually built up some muscle slowly over the years so that it causes comments (though I'm not anywhere close to being like devoted bodybuilders), and it really wasn't my intent...but I've come to appreciate it. My goal was to just stay in shape, but I've gotten addicted to the high that exercising for a long time will bring.

If you ever go to a gym, try a mix of hot sauna and cold shower...it's momentarily painful, but I've found it causes intense pleasure, something others understand. Luckily, I've found few like to use the sauna anyway, so I can turn it up as hot as I like and even pour on my own scented water (such as with eucalyptus oil, which one guy swears helps with both his allergies and depression, but in my case I just like the smell of it). After wearing myself down with exercise (but with the high that comes with it), this not only adds to that high, but also wakes me back up before I leave. Sometimes I even allow myself a delicious protein shake before I leave (which really wakes me up), though that has probably contributed to my gaining muscle (which not all women want to do).

Note, gyms vary wildly in both quality and company.

Be careful about pushing yourself with weights, should you go that route. I know of one guy who became disabled because he lifted too much and damaged his neck spine. Plenty of gyms will offer trainers at reasonable prices (probably helps with their insurance concerns), and spotters (who can help make sure you don't hurt yourself because your muscles just suddenly give up) can be a big help as well. I almost never push myself like that personally (preferring endurance to how much I can lift a few times in a row) so I don't need a spotter.

 

[Blaze]

Once upon a time I did. I just had a set of barbells and free weights, and a bench. Weight training is a lot of fun, at least I'd rather do that than run! The best was seeing my gym teachers reaction when we had our weight training day evaluation, she didn't expect me to bench over 100 pounds. I really wanna get back into it, but I'd need someone to really teach me. I was self taught so I'm sure my form is not the best.

 

[ILLYRIAN]

Blaze,
you had a set of barbells did you?
I saw the film Barbarella, lowers head and speaks quieter, I saw it when it was released.
My weight training is like my exercise routine at present. It consists of me sat at the computer thinking I must do some exercise this week.

 

[Bluebird]

Cheers guys!

I did not know there were so many different muscle building techniques. The pure heft I do day in day out does take its toll, I end up with a sore right shoulder at times. I'm dominant with my right side so I'll get an achy shoulder and leg, just down my right side. I don't think I have the body type for weightlifting tbh, I have a small frame. Even my feet are so narrow I have a hard time with shoes slipping off lol.

 

[Taake]

Well, I used to. And as a PT I used to guide other people in their weightlifting practice. Honestly though, I find it dull, too much of a bother, and impractical in terms of functionality.

I'm dominant with my left side and it can be eased if it bothers you, I'd recommend either getting a trainer (but they tend to be expensive), to read up on the subject a lot, to focus on body weight training, or start doing something like (and ok, I'm totally basing this on myself) yoga and ballet. They're low-impact but very body focused, meaning you have to get to know your own body and adjust according to what the position demands and what feels right for your form. It's really a lot tougher than most people think (I say, somewhat defensively 😛).
 
@Mr. Pole are you calling me a Circus freak?

 

[Skanky Vamp]

are you calling me a Circus freak?

Ouldway otnay aysay ircuscay, ustjay egularray eakfray

 

[ILLYRIAN]

Sorry that just looks all kinds of wrong,
now if Bluebird or GwenRaiden had written that I'd think they were writing in Glaswegian.

 

[Faith]

I'm getting back into it. When I was training for the police fitness I stopped all weights and boxing and it was the worst thing I could have done - I was scared of getting an injury.

I tried a bit of Crossfit and honestly think that is one of the most reckless fitness regimes out there. With my trainer I do alot of back squats and deadlifts. At home I have my own weights (both arm and bar) so have been working up. I'm also a big fan of kettlebells for a full body workout. I have to be careful from the fractured sternum, at the minute I can't lift much above my head but i'm building it up again.

I honeslty think that more women should lift weights, it is one of the best ways to shred and firm (I absolutely hate the word tone).