Anyone else lift weights?

[MrsJamin]

It just seems to be about running on here, which is not my bag. Anyone else want to talk about lifting weights? Share tips, frustrations, ideas?

Hello. I have no experience of weights but I am thinking of joining a gym to do some weights now the weather is getting cold. (I normally run twice a week and will continue doing so but don't want to run when it's icy). I don't think I could manage to go more than once or twice a week though - is it still worth it? Will I see results?

@rifling, people often say you need more like three sessions to see progress....you could start with bodyweight strength training (calisthenics), can do it in parks, perhaps at the end of a run. Lots of parks now have the bars you need for pull ups and dips, but you can make a start with park benches, resistance bands, walls. You'd need someone to show you what to do but that might be cheaper than a gym membership you don't use much. Some PTs have weights etc too. I;'ve seen lots of strength training like that in local parks.

Thanks @MsMartini Yes, there is an outside gym thing in one of the parks I run in. I could try that although I feel a bit intimidated as it is used by fit young men who would probably laugh at my efforts! Ive just realised I can sign up for the gym a month at a time so I might give it a go anyway. How long do you all work out for and how often?

@rifling I'm only in the gym lifting twice a week atm and yes it's worth it if you push yourself. My husband competes in powerlifting and only does 3 days a week.

I started out with just 1 days a week and built up to 3 over a few years, cut it down due to pregnancy and now working on getting back to my best 15wk post c-section. Currently do squats, rows and bench 1 day and deadlifts, military press and shoulder isolation the other day. My 3rd day was all exercises lighter weight and paused reps. I was in bad shape after my twin pregnancy and lifting fixed all that. I was also diagnosed with osteoarthritis, it helps with day to day joint pain and mobility. We have our own rack and weights, couldn't have been as dedicated if I had to go to a public gym due to kids.

Any good lifter will not laugh at your efforts, we all have a starting point. Best advice is to write down all your workouts so you can look back and see how far you have come from the start. What were impossible weights for me to lift early on became warm up sets, such a good feeling.

Thanks @chely- as another twin mum with painful joints that is so encouraging!!

@rifling - if it is a calisthenics park and you are interested, I'd try hanging around and seeing if you spot someone getting PT there - and then get some yourself if you can afford it (usually much cheaper than in a gym as no overheads/rent). I have never been laughed at and I train in places populated by people who compete, some internationally. It is a small sport and people usually very welcoming. You won't get far without someone showing you some basics though, I would say. Month at a time at the gym also sounds good!

@rifling

Hello. I have no experience of weights but I am thinking of joining a gym to do some weights now the weather is getting cold. (I normally run twice a week and will continue doing so but don't want to run when it's icy). I don't think I could manage to go more than once or twice a week though - is it still worth it? Will I see results?

Have you considered working out with Caroline Girvan? She has hundreds of weight based workouts on YouTube, some short, others long, some stand-alone, others part of series such as EPIC. Using serious weights.... Highly recommend!

@Angliski

Sorry for the late response, my MN notifications seem to be a bit hit and miss at the moment!

I started competing fairly early on in my journey. For local competitions you don't need a qualifying total or any sort of experience, as long as you can lift at least the empty bar + the collars (so 25kg) and you're able to follow the referees' commands, then anyone can join in!

I am not competitive by nature and I wasn't sure whether I would enjoy it at first, but I absolutely love competitions! Mostly because although there is a winner, it really is more about improving on your own PBs and lifters are really supportive of each other. I always make new friends on comp day! It's also really cool that you lift alongside women of all levels, from total beginners to international athletes, and I usually pick up a few handy tips from the more accomplished ladies.

My Dsis is into marathon running and it seems to be a similar ethos as that, unless you're elite level you don't really enter to win, and everyone is friendly and helpful.

I would recommend joining the British Powerlifting FB group, people there will be able to direct you to your local federation and affiliated clubs (although you don't have to join a club, but may want to if there is one near you), then COVID permitting you may be able to go watch the next local competition and get a feel for it

I miss lifting but trying to fit it into my schedule is a pain though. I will be paying more attention to the chin-up bar since hopefully Wolf Run is back this year!