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Original poster

Strength training advice - no workout just right!

37 replies

OrangeSunset · 30/08/2021 19:07

I’ve been doing strength based workouts for a while and tried a few different trainers - Joe Wicks, fitnessblender and recently some
Caroline Girvan.

I can get through the workouts, don’t always finish the set but manage most of it and don’t feel I can do any more reps etc. But then next day I rarely ache. Recently, with the Caroline Girvan ones I have noticed some stiffness in my neck that feels more deepseated than DOMS so I wonder if I’m using weights that are too heavy and straining but still no DOMS.

so, I feel like I’m doing wrong on many levels. I don’t feel like I’m progressing or challenging myself, but the neck stiffness is bothering me. Am I just to old (45) to be attempting workouts designed by 30-somethings who fling themselves around?!

OP posts:
Original poster
OrangeSunset · 31/08/2021 10:27

Thanks, to be honest I only use the 10kg for deadlift or 2 x 7.5kg as it’s all I have without grappling with DH’s bar. I don’t do that many deadlifts but it does feel light/easy.

The other movements definitely don’t feel easy/light. That is what is confusing me about the lack of progress - I feel like I’m working hard to get through the reps of shoulder presses, for example.

We do have a pretty good set up at home. But I’m thinking back to a few PT sessions last year where I was like jelly after. Maybe it’s too easy to take it easy on your own with no-one watching!

OP posts:
MagpiePi · 31/08/2021 09:21

If you are only using eg 10kg for deadlifts then it sounds like you are doing more of a cardio workout than actual strength training, and unless you are working to failure every time then you aren't going to get DOMs. But as people have said, DOMs aren't necessarily a good thing!

These are off symmetricstrength.com

Strength training advice - no workout just right!
Strength training advice - no workout just right!
ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 31/08/2021 09:11

Depending on what you are doing those weights sound pretty light for strength training (although 3kg isn't bad for starting lateral raises).

You should easily be able to do at least 20kgs for a deadlift for example.

If you are serious about strength training you might be better off at a gym with a good free weights selection - it's really hard to have the weights and space you need at home.

whatwoulddexterdo · 31/08/2021 08:59

Having the doms is not an indication of a good workout!

CorpusCallosum · 31/08/2021 08:54

You don't need to be getting DOMs or muscle aches to be making progress. DOMs often hinders progress as you're too sore to do a planned workout or to do it properly.

Keep strength training. You can film yourself to check your form - this is often better than using a mirror as you're not craning your neck round to check your posture and you learn to feel what's right for your body rather than relying on visual information.

Original poster
OrangeSunset · 31/08/2021 08:46

Ok I have just done the CG 45 mins kettlebell one. Will report back tomorrow but don’t feel that juiced.

Starting to think I am just not putting the effort in!

OP posts:
Original poster
OrangeSunset · 30/08/2021 20:20

Always a different workout. I use 5kg and 7.5 kg dumbbells or 3kg for lateral raises! I could with a heavier thing for the deadlifts but could use a bar I have and plates. Sometimes use a 10kg kettlebell instead for deadlifts.

So for example rows, I do as many as I can manage ie to pretty much failure but no aching.

I’m not seeing a difference in my body, although to be honest my diet has been fairly poor the last 2 months (schools hols, too much alcohol etc) so that will be playing it’s part. Still wouldn’t explain the no aching tho!

I think I’ve lost a sense of how fit I am, and how to gauge effort/difficulty of workout to get results.

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mistermagpie · 30/08/2021 19:42

Are you doing the same workouts over and over? Or mixing them up?

Also, what weights are you using? Caroline uses ridiculously heavy ones compared to me but I find that with 5kg dumbells I see an impact and I'm pretty fit. I also challenge anyone to do her kettlebell one (think it's a 45 minute one) and not feel it in the hamstrings!

Original poster
OrangeSunset · 30/08/2021 19:26

Thanks, I did have Les Mills for a bit. Did a few pump sessions and some grit. Same issue with feeling like I was challenged in the session, but not after if that makes sense.

I have seen a PT before and should be ok with squats, deadlifts but I’ll maybe check in again.

I wondered if it’s the duration. I’m drawn towards the 30min sessions obvs but maybe they just aren’t enough and I need to be consistently doing 45min with 30min every now and then?

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GreenBiro · 30/08/2021 19:14

I’d recommend stopping and doing a few sessions with a PT who specialises in weight training so that you get a good feel for form in squats, deadlifts and core which are the foundations of most strength training. Also agree with bodypump, it’s great!

newyorkbreakfast · 30/08/2021 19:12

Here's a link to Les Mills On Demand web.lesmillsondemand.com/membership?gclid=undefined
If you're not UK, you can get it in most countries.

newyorkbreakfast · 30/08/2021 19:10

Try Les Mills BodyPump. You can get a free 14-day trial; sometimes they even a six-week free trial.
There are 55, 45 and 30- minute classes, online, on demand so you work out when it suits you.
You need a barbell and plates ideally, but you can do in it with dumbbells.
People are all ages from 20s-70s so you're definitely not too old.