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Original poster

I'm the only girl I know who lifts weights

61 replies

BitsinTatters · 25/02/2014 20:05

I go to the gym regularly..primarily it was so I could run on the dreadmill in the safe warm gym while watching trash in tv

However weights caught my eye and I have been using them for about 3 months.

I can dead lift over my body weight now (72kg)

Any way... problem is I flit around because I don't really know what routine I should be doing and i'm shamefully to intimidated to ask the meat heads gym guys

So, I row or run when I get there to warm up..then what should I do?

OP posts:
plutarch14 · 25/02/2014 20:07

Wow, 75kgs! Nice.

Would it perhaps be worth having just one or two sessions with a personal trainer to show you some moves? Alternatively, depending on your gym, one of the staff might be able to help you out...

eurochick · 25/02/2014 20:11

Yep, get a few sessions with a personal trainer if you can possibly afford it.

FreelanceMama · 25/02/2014 20:14

I used to weight train - not for heavy lifting but to build muscle generally. I agree with the recommendation about personal trainer sessions. Even one would get you started. Also I used to buy a magazine called Muscle and Fitness Hers - I think! which was really good. There's lots to learn and it's fun designing your own sets and understanding how muscle is built, how to breathe (!) the importance of rest days, multiple light sets vs few heavy lifts etc.

I've just given my free weights away but before I lived with my partner and had a baby I did it for a couple of years. It's quite zen!

TippiShagpile · 25/02/2014 20:17

I lift weights too. I love my weights sessions (with my PT) and get so much out of it. Lots of people think (mistakenly) that heavy weights = bulky. I am quite small - 5" 2 and 8.5 stone.

Would definitely recommend personal training, even just once a week.

HolgerDanske · 26/02/2014 21:56

I love weight training. Must get back to the gym.

Two book recommendations:

Thinner, Leaner, Stronger Michael Matthews
The New Rules of Lifting for Women Lou Schuler

TetrisBlock · 26/02/2014 21:59

I'm the same as you op.

Can see the benefits but don't really know what I'm doing. Have been going to kettle bell classes lately and they are fabulous!

runningforme · 26/02/2014 22:01

Personally I prefer kettle bells, but like others have suggested, have a few sessions with a personal trainer - if for nothing else than to make sure that you are using proper form throughout your reps.
Here's a site I use when I want a few exercises to do by myself when I can't get to classes www.bodybuilding.com/fun/bbinfo.php?page=FemaleTraining

HolgerDanske · 26/02/2014 22:03

Kettle bells are really good

CaptainHindsight · 26/02/2014 22:09

Envy at 75 OP! Well done.

Pinterest had some good videos if I want to try a new routine. I love the transformation pictures too, really motivational.

Hours of cardio was demoralising and not very effective. I lift and do the 30ds for cardio and the results are really showing now! I was complimented on my "guns" recently which was nice.

DSM swears by kettlebells. I may have to invest.....

CaptainHindsight · 26/02/2014 22:10

I'm posting from my phone! What the feck is that green heart?

MrsGSR · 26/02/2014 22:33

I've heard loads of good things about the new rules book mentioned above.
I did a variation of stronglifts 5x5 which I loved, it you Google it there are some suggested workouts.

www.bodybuilding.com has a forum for female weightlifters.

strongandlong · 26/02/2014 23:01

Yeay! A body weight DL in 3 months is excellent!

For weight training a well structured progressive program will really help. New rules and Strong lifts 5x5 both fit the bill and their are loads of others.
has some good stuff has one, for example.

I love Stumptuous and the associated FB group.

I absolutely love strength training. It has totally changed how I feel about my body (for the better!). I'm aiming for. 2x body weight DL, but progress is slow! I've just hit a 1.5x bw squat, which I am thrilled with :)

Original poster
BitsinTatters · 26/02/2014 23:31

The gym bloke made me do the following challenge

With a 10kg bag weight

15 squats
15 lunges on each leg
15 second sumo hold

X3

OP posts:
Original poster
BitsinTatters · 26/02/2014 23:32

It hurt to sit down on the loo the next day

OP posts:
CaptainHindsight · 26/02/2014 23:32

You are all awesome. Thank you for the links.

I'm trying to eat heather, lots of protein and minimal processed carbs. life would be bleak without pizza. I won'tgive them all up!

What do you all eat?

McFox · 26/02/2014 23:43

I did until pregnancy, I was just saying tonight that I really miss lifting. I would recommend a few sessions with a PT too, and the New Rules of Lifting book that others have mentioned.

Food wise I eat lots of protein, I avoid wheat as a rule anyway so lots of rice, quinoa etc, and bananas, peanut butter, rice cakes and seafood are real staples. Well at least they were until my body decided that toffee, satsumas and croissants are all this baby wants!! Can't wait to get back to normal Smile

Original poster
BitsinTatters · 26/02/2014 23:49

Captain I eat normal food. Normal family decent home cooked food and lots of cake

I've dropped a dress size since Christmas from a snug 14 to a baggy 12. Except I'm not as baggy. My bum is the best it's ever been !!

OP posts:
Suzannewithaplan · 27/02/2014 00:13

You could ask the gym staff to help you with a routine, but there's also lots of info out there on the net, strength training forums, you tube etc

MrChow · 27/02/2014 00:17

Love weights, must get back into it.

Have you looked on Instagram? Hashtag girls that lift and ig fitness there's an abundance of info out there

drowninginlaundry · 27/02/2014 06:28

Bits you need CrossFit. Google your nearest CrossFit affiliate gym (or tell me where you are and I'll tell you where your nearest box is). For your sake, find a trainer who can teach you to lift safely and welcome a body you never thought you could have! It's awesome. Unfortunately most globo gym personal trainers are clueless about strength training, and even more clueless about Olympic lifts. Seriously, CrossFit (DL 120kg, clean and jerk 60kg, size 10 Smile

Original poster
BitsinTatters · 27/02/2014 08:42

I know where crossfit is local to me. Too terrified to go!!

Mainly because it's run by some guys that were complete wankers at school!!

OP posts:
strongandlong · 27/02/2014 10:40

All the people I know that do crossfit love it. Hopefully they will have grown up a bit since school, so if it appeals, do give it ago.

Agree with drowning that most gym PTs don't know anything about strength training :(

Are you happy with your current gym?

strongandlong · 27/02/2014 10:47

Sally Moss of Strength Ambassadors and Gubernatrix is really good. If I had the time, money and proximity to London, I'd love to do one of her courses.

strongandlong · 27/02/2014 10:49

Squats (5x5 @110kg) and bench (progressing up to 5 @ 57.5kg) this morning Smile.

Feeling fantastic. There is nothing like heavy squats/DLs to generate a good hit of endorphins to start the day.

Suzannewithaplan · 27/02/2014 11:04

Brilliant lifts strong! :o

I'm more body building oriented but I've been lifting for over 20 years.

In all that time I've almost always been the only 'girl' in the weights room.

I'm just used to it now, and to the bewildered looks from the men :o

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