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Exercise

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Original poster

Weights

28 replies

Allaboutyou222 · 24/02/2022 09:00

Just posting to be evangelical about training with weights. I’ve exercised for years (Mainly reluctantly!). You name it, I did it…..step, hit, aerobics, c25k, swimming….liked some more than others but for last 6 months I’ve been training with weights. Largish ones (for me). That plus Body Pump ( again weights but lighter) has been the most transforming thing I’ve ever done. I haven’t lost weight but I am the most toned I’ve ever been and so much stronger!

I fast walk our dogs so get a cardio workout too but nothing excessive, just to keep heart healthy.

I wish I’d started it earlier. Waving goodbye to spin and treadmills now. It’s the way forward!

OP posts:

gamerchick · 24/02/2022 09:03

I hear you.

milkysmum · 24/02/2022 09:09

I am just on the start of my fitness journey after deciding this was going to be the year I took back control of my life ( end on site of divorce, day 53 of no alcohol and a month in to new gym membership).
I'm 42 and keen to do more strength training also-I'm slim ( size 10) but un toned and really weak.
Are you following a programme OP?

milkysmum · 24/02/2022 09:10

I've also been keen to try the body pump class but feel a bit anxious about it!

unacceptabletolerances · 24/02/2022 09:15

Ooh following for any recommendations of programmes to follow. I'm just starting out too and a bit lost...

Original poster

Allaboutyou222 · 24/02/2022 12:47

I had a PT for a while. I didn’t feel confident learning proper form on my own. Especially for lifting heavy weights.

Body Pump and WT is different. BP is lots of reps, no rest and lighter weights. WT is fewer reps but heavy weights. However Pump is a good intro to using weights and it certainly toned me up.

OP posts:

FourEyesGood · 24/02/2022 13:02

Same here - Body Pump twice a week has completely changed my body shape since September. I’m properly toned!

Lottapianos · 24/02/2022 13:04

I agree OP. Weights are bloody brilliant. I used to be a runner, but had to stop when I developed two very unhappy knees. Got into weights and never looked back

Hyperion100 · 24/02/2022 13:11

@unacceptabletolerances

Ooh following for any recommendations of programmes to follow. I'm just starting out too and a bit lost...

It can be kept very simple broken in to 6 movements.

Bench press type movement
Row type movement
Overhead press type movement
Chin up/pull up/pull down type movement
Squat or single leg quad dominant movement
Deadlift or hip dominant type movement

Thats it...so simple. So effective.

Celoo · 24/02/2022 13:14

I love doing weights. It's very rewarding from a physical aspect as it helps so much in my ability to do other forms of exercise but I also get a kick out of seeing my progress in terms of the increase in weights I'm using (with the proper technique).

DrunkBetch · 24/02/2022 13:23

Weight training is the best. Last year I took a leap and started learning Olympic weightlifting and it was the best thing I ever did. I'm a bigger lady and train for the love of the sport not for weight loss.
Keep at it! 💪

Stellaris22 · 24/02/2022 13:27

I live for my weight training! I absolutely love loading up the bar for hip thrusts and after 3 months of training with dumb bells to help with form and stability I'm back to bars for things like bench and shoulder press.

I'm really glad I spent the time with dumb bells to work on form, but I'm unbelievably happy to be back to bars.

Stellaris22 · 24/02/2022 13:30

I also have a long term goal of being able to do pull ups, so working on back and shoulders is really rewarding (and fun). The weights on the assisted pull up machine are going down and having the PT to help with my goal is great.

Original poster

Allaboutyou222 · 24/02/2022 13:40

Would love to get to pull ups!

OP posts:

givemeallthecheese · 24/02/2022 15:11

Just be careful with pull ups Op

I thought I'd be able to work my way up to do it, started with a thick band for help and really pushed myself and actually ended up popping one of my top ribs out of place

My not quite light enough body weight combined with not quite strong enough upper body meant for a sore few weeks

CloseYourEyesAndSee · 24/02/2022 15:12

I agree!!
Until I got a PT I had no idea about weights but I'm converted.

FennecShandDoesEverything · 24/02/2022 15:14

I have started properly doing weights and it's so addictive. Edges of soft flesh disappear and turn into hard muscle. My arms are getting really defined.

I see a PT once a week and have been doing Caroline Girvan with a moderately heavy kettlebell once a week as well. I also run and do yoga once a week but the weights have me hooked.

Summerhillsquare · 24/02/2022 15:15

Sounds brilliant. Is there a sensible way to get started without a PT?

FennecShandDoesEverything · 24/02/2022 15:16

I'm early on in doing her but one of the Caroline Girvan EPIC serieses on YouTube would be a good way to get into weights if you don't have access to a PT or a body pump class, IME.

Stellaris22 · 24/02/2022 15:51

For pull ups I use the assisted pull up machine once a week, but also a lot of back and shoulder exercises. I've discussed my pull up goal with my PT so I have tailored exercises to help training.

They look amazing and I've been training for 3 months so far, the weights on the machine are getting lower but it's definitely not something you do without lots of preparation.

Original poster

Allaboutyou222 · 24/02/2022 15:57

If you can’t get a PT then avoid free weights at first. A good gym will show you how to use the machines and they are safer for beginners.

OP posts:

CovidCurious · 24/02/2022 17:48

I am totally in love with weight training too.

LaChanticleer · 26/02/2022 10:17

Weight training with a PT was a revelation. I am now deadlifting 97kg, and aiming for 100 in the next couple of months.

HilaryBanks · 27/02/2022 22:42

Does it lose inches though? I don't want to be toned and stay the size I am! I want to be toned and smaller

LaChanticleer · 28/02/2022 10:32

To be "smaller" you need to attend to diet. But muscle takes up less room than fat, so if you attend to your diet and operate with a calorie deficit, while training your body, you should drop a size or so.

Chely · 28/02/2022 10:56

I love the weights.
I took it up because of osteoarthritis and being a bit worse for wear after carrying huge twins (17lb combined birth weight at 38wk). It is my exercise niche and I will continue as long as my body allows. I trained through most of my most recent pregnancy too, I was still managing 40kg squats and 80kg deadlifts at 35wk then baby got very low and it was too uncomfortable to continue. I had a 3 month break as I had a c-section, the doms were horrendous the 1st week but slowly rebuilding my strength to pre-pregnancy levels. Even slower losing my excess fat, even when at my slimmest I was quite heavy by BMI charts. My middle looks rubbish with the extra skin I have so just need to get my weight down to take daily pressure off my joints (do better with squats then).
Dh has competed in powerlifting and we both hope the kids will find love for it too.

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