HLSG: How about Weight Lifters Forum?

[Pat58]

Hi all HLSG members and readers,

Is anyone interested in a weight lifters' discussion? I love to lift and it seems that lots of us incorporate weight training into our fitness routines. Or should we keep our weight training questions and tips within our HLSG discussions? Just wanted to throw a thought out there.

[Natasha]

Pat,
I like the idea of a separate forum! I am quite the novice about weight training (and lazy about it too) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif so I bet you ll be seeing some questions from me soon. I don t understand how I can be so lazy about weight training when I know how important it is...but anyhow! Thanks!

[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 11-11-2000).]

[Laura]

What running seems to do for my hamstrings, weightlifting has done for my shoulders and back. It is the one thing I really love to show off. I loved tank tops this summer because my shoulders and arms really have some definition.

I probably lift heavier than most. but I really enjoy it.

I am getting a late start (3pm here) but am off to the gym now so I can enjoy cheddar potato soup with bacon later http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[lindrusso]

Originally posted by Laura:
I loved tank tops this summer because my shoulders and arms really have some definition.

Laura,

This is one of my secret long-term goals - to feel comfortable wearing a sleeveless shirt! I've always admired women with toned arms.

Count me in. I'd call myself a weight-trainer rather than a weight-lifter considering the light-weight (pun intended http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/rolleyes.gif ) that I am, but I'd like to learn more!

[Natasha]

So how often do you guys lift? I would like to lift 2-3x/week regularly, but don t come close most weeks. Do you use free weights, machines, or both? I use both, but keep hearing about how much better free weights are for arms. What do you think?

One thing I love about weights is how quickly you can feel and see results. I have to start getting back into it!

[Laura]

When I am good (which I have been now for 2 weeks) I lift 3 times/week. I think it depends on what you are seeking from weightlifting. I lifted for many years but never worked my muscles to fatigue. While I was tone, I did not see much definition. I use both machines and free weights for almost all aspects of my body. I do 3 sets of each exercise and whether I am trying to build or define, I work each muscle hard. That is, at the end of each set, I should barely beable to lift the weight. This is kind of tricky because you don't want the weight to be so heavy that you lose form, but definately want to be using all of your strength to lift the weight. If you have a spotter it is great because it allows you to lift heavier weights.

[This message has been edited by Laura (edited 11-12-2000).]

[lesliem]

I would love to do this. It might be the motivation I need.

I am a very sporadic weightlifter, I don't really enjoy it that much but after re-injuring my already surgically repaired knee twice over the last few months I have to smarten up! (besides I want to ski this winter http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif ) When do we start?

[lindrusso]

I weight train every time I make it to the gym which has been 4 times each of the past two weeks - as Laura said, when I'm being good!

I alternate muscle groups. I tend to work biceps, triceps and legs one day; chest, back and shoulders the next; abs every day. If my muscles feel overworked or need a bit of a rest, then I'll do some non-weight toning like leg lifts, or work on my waist, whatever. There's always something to do!

I use both free weights and machines. I feel that free weights are probably most effective overall, but machines allow you to do things that are harder to do with free weights. They also allow for a quicker workout since you don't have to change out the weight plates, etc.

Lesliem - I was thinking you were new, but I see you posted way back at the start of this bulletin board support group. Many of us have started with stating our goals and "meeting" once a week to report on our progress. Feel free to join in whenever you're ready! We welcome your input!

[lesliem]

Thanks Lindrusso!

I will. I am pretty good with aerobic exercise. I walk to work everyday (20 mins each way) and swim masters 2-3 times per week. Once we get some snow I will be X-C skiing and snow shoeing. It's the strength training I need help with. I know how important it is but I am really good at avoiding it (excuse queen here!).

Weight wise I have lost 40 lbs on Weight Watchers with more to go, but I find the program fits with life really well so I can live with it and am not in a big hurry.

That's me- Thanks for the welcome!

[Jessica]

This is such a great group--I am glad lindrusso pointed me in this direction. Thanks.

I HATE lifting weights. I have a plan similar to lindrusso's, where I do weights after every workout but alternate muscle groups. I have never been a person with willpower, but I dredge up every last ounce of discipline and force myself on those machines. The only encouragement comes from the fact that it does work, and you will begin to notice that clothes fit differently. Now I await the toned arms...