I know there are some weightlifters out there...

[KanyesVest]

How do you find it? My bootcamp instructor has come over all evangelical about olympic weightlifting, so he's working it into most of our classes now and I think I'm seeing results already, particularly in my back. Most of what we're doing is technique at the moment, so low weights, but I have deadlifted 55kg . I'm in massive amounts of pain this morning from doing back squats with 30/35kg!

Maybe as I do more of it my mind will change, but I really miss feeling properly flatted by an intense cardio class, which I don't really seem to get from the weights. I feel the burn, but not as tired as I expect to, if that makes sense.

[AggressiveBunting]

Yeah, I know what you mean. I do Crossfit, which on the days I go is usually 2 lots of olympic lifting followed by a "Metcon" piece which is strength/cardio (so maybe a circuit of kettle bell swings, burpees, overhead presses and box jumps). My observations are that

1. Olympic lifting does much more for your core than anything else I've done. I almost have a 6 pack despite doing hardly any dedicated core work in the last year (no planks, no sit ups etc)
   
2. It gives you a good aesthetic very quickly- especially toned arms/ shoulders
   
3. It builds lean tissue very effectively
   

So in itself, it's effective and a good thing

BUT you don't get much cardio/ endurance benefit which I think is getting somewhat lost in all the latest "heavy lifting is the solution to all the problems of the universe" theory. Yes, you look good, have low body fat etc, but if you can't run a few miles at a decent clip, are you really fit? So personally, I think lifting is really good but, depending on your goals, you might need to look at your overall program to decide if the balance between lifting and cardio is going to work.

[EarSlaps]

I've just started following the new rules of lifting for women. I like strength work and I find it great in the evening- I can have my tea then go to the gym and not feel like it's all going to come up again! With cardio I prefer to do it earlier in the day but it's tricky fitting it around the children.
I've started doing a meta fit class, which is HIIT, and I like the exhaustion from that. I like an occasional spin class too.

I think a mix of both is good- weights for strength and fat burning and some cardio for fitness.

[Madamecastafiore]

My PT makes me do loads of weights. Apparently builds lean muscle which burns more fat (I have a fair bit around my gut to shift too!).

[FutopiaDad]

I'm no expert and certainly not as knowledgable as a PT but I thought it was all about variation.

I love doing weights but couldn't do them all the time and if you're doing big compound lifts all the time then that's a sure way of picking up an injury, even if you attempt to do splits and stuff.

From speaking to other PT's I was always told that maintaining your cardio keeps your lung capacity up, which is great for doing weights.

I agree with you though as I love that lung bursting feeling and looking cherry red after a good run/bike etc.

Sounds like he's good for making sure your form is decent before heavier weights though.

[GunShotResidue]

I love weights, haven't been able to do any for ages as I can't get to the gym. I used to do stronglifts 3 days a week, cardio (cycling and running) 3 days a week and badminton the last day. I miss it so much!

[Littlepumpkinpie]

After an hour of weight lifting with minimal rest in between sets is exhausting I have a set program done by my coach. I train with intensity and when the burn comes that's when my set starts. I am pushed through pain barriers and taught to do so this is how I have sculpted and changed my physique. I do weights five times a week and cardio twice a week.

[Suzannewithaplan]

?
I'm a long time strength trainer and I find it doesn't give anything like the same high that you get from endurance training?.
I also find endurance training more effective for keeping body fat low, but people respond differently to different protocols.
I recommend experimenting to find your personal optimum combination.

there's so much easily available information these days
Wish I'd had the benefit of youtube when I was in my 20's! ?

[KanyesVest]

Yes, it's the lung burning, red faced high that I miss! The trainer is very good, and is mixing in some high intensity cardio between sets... Today he had us dragging each other around on sprints as active recovery between sets. I run a couple of times a week too, it's only 5/8km, but now that I'm doing much more weight training, I feel it disproportionately if I miss a run. Good to know how many people find weight training useful. I'm going to stick with it for a while and see if I can find the balance.

[Suzannewithaplan]

I'd go so far as to say that for long term well being strength training is probably slightly more significant.

(thats just my understanding based on what I've read and heard...and therefore somewhat subjective)

[Vivacia]

I am so pleased to find this thread. I'm still fairly new to Olympic lifting, been doing it about a year. I lift three times a week, started off with Strong Lifts 5x5 but am now doing Madcow after a bit of a deload.

I agree about missing the cardio, so I try to do spin on one of my days off.

I think when I first started I was quite macho about wanting to lift big weights. At the moment I've come to terms that unless I want to go up a dress size, and limit my (unhealthy) diet, I'm not going to make noticeable gains. I'm definitely stronger than I've ever been and have good definition in places, but when people ask whether I want to get stronger or bigger I just tell them I want to lift because I enjoy it.

[Teladi]

I'm currently enjoying "Lift Weights Faster" which is a programme you can get online. I find it a good balance between cardio and strength, especially if you're tight for time.

I'd love to do Olympic lifting but mainly just strength train with kettle and dumbbells as it's currently difficult for me to get to my gym very often.