Weight Lifting

**TheRootedNomad** · 03-05-2010, 07:51 AM

Anyone else out there mess around with free weights? I am by no means an expert but I've gotten back into the routine useing of them over the past year. Didn't know if we had anyone else at the village that does.

**Ceashels** · 03-05-2010, 07:58 AM

I enjoy free weights... when I am motivated to exercise ... There is something about getting resistance through a full range of controlled motion that gets me feeling good.

**Jenibelle** · 03-05-2010, 04:33 PM

As a collegiate & semi-pro athlete I LIVED in the weight room for about 12 years of my life. And to this day I still can't stand the thought of going for a run...I always go for a good lift! It probably helps that DBF is a certified strength & conditioning specialist! He lives in the weight room too! We both work in athletically related fields now...its just our natural setting!

**craftypam** · 03-05-2010, 04:41 PM

Are you talking about small weights 3-8#? If so, I went to a class for 8 years during the school year and loved. The instructor quit doing it; so I haven't been back. I would love to. Joyce Vedral has several books of the exercises that we did. We did not have the bench at our class; the instructor just improvised. We also did good old fashioned exercises with no equipment involved. I really need to get back to it. I went 2 days a week for 1 hour. I felt so good while going.

**mauimagic** · 03-05-2010, 11:32 PM

Want to see more about this - 'cause one day I am going to be able to do this!! Please tell us more!!

**Jenibelle** · 03-06-2010, 06:57 AM

Originally Posted by craftypam

Are you talking about small weights 3-8#? If so, I went to a class for 8 years during the school year and loved. The instructor quit doing it; so I haven't been back. I would love to. Joyce Vedral has several books of the exercises that we did. We did not have the bench at our class; the instructor just improvised. We also did good old fashioned exercises with no equipment involved. I really need to get back to it. I went 2 days a week for 1 hour. I felt so good while going.

The term "Free Weights" usually refers to any thing not involving a machine (with cables or weight stacks, etc). Basically anything with dumbbells or barbells & weights. Anything where a machine isn't dictating your range of motion.

**Samigirl** · 03-09-2010, 11:48 AM

I just started working out with free weights again. I'm using the Power 90 DVDs.

**JerryG** · 03-09-2010, 11:52 AM

Free weights are integral in my work out. One day I run and then the next day I walk with free hand weights - anywhere from a 2 pounder to a 10 pounder. Makes a huge difference.

**Jenibelle** · 03-09-2010, 03:50 PM

Many times women are afraid to step in the weight room...not knowing what to do...intimidated by the "muscle heads"...etc. But weight training is especially important for women as a means to increase bone strength/density. It is also very important for day to day tasks as we age. Just think about it...sitting down & getting up from the toilet...without the assistance of handles is essentially a squat. Here's a quick test you can do. Find a normal height kitchen chair or bench, without dropping or falling to it, can you control yourself down to the chair without holding on to anything? Now can you stand back up?

If you have trouble with either of these you can start with bodyweight squats and other exercises, and as you become proficient, you can slowly incorporate holding dumbbells in your hands at your sides.

Many everyday tasks work in similar ways. Pulling that gallon of milk from the fridge and up to the counter top is a bicep curl. Kneeling down to pick up something you have dropped is a lunge. Being able to sit up in bed is core strength. Reaching in the cupboards to pull a can off of the highest shelf involves calf raises and the reach requires stabilization of your entire back. A little work now will lead us to be fully functioning older adults.

**JerryG** · 03-10-2010, 03:28 PM

I agree Jenibelle - If I stay on track with the weights - Every day tasks are easier - everything from toting laundry baskets around, to hauling in groceries, washing my truck, moving furniture, etc. I can tell the difference in effort needed if I've been neglecting my work outs.

**Inkstain82** · 03-10-2010, 04:37 PM

I've been wanting to get into it, but I'm a little nervous and generally intimidated by the entire process. I'm sticking to the cardio side of the gym for now.

**Jenibelle** · 03-10-2010, 07:03 PM

Originally Posted by Inkstain82

I've been wanting to get into it, but I'm a little nervous and generally intimidated by the entire process. I'm sticking to the cardio side of the gym for now.

Don't be nervous! Once you get started you will fall in love!

You can start on the weight machines if the actually free weights are too much...but get someone to show you the ropes! A good combo of weights & cardio will do you good!!!!! (but I know what you mean about comfort zones...that's why I rarely do cardio!)

**falan** · 04-24-2010, 12:07 PM

Jenibelle,

I'm the opposite of you. I love, love, love cardio and dread lifting. I've recommitted myself once again to start lifting because I want arms... Linda Hamilton (Terminator II)/Julian Micheals inspire me every time I think of their arms. It takes so long to see results, I always give up.

I basically want to look good in a tank.

I'm doing Kathy Smith's Lift Weights to Lose Weight. Any suggestions for good vids using free weights?

**mek42** · 04-28-2010, 10:32 PM

When I'm exercising (where's that "slap self in the head emoticon?) I prefer free weights to anything else. I find ExRx (Exercise Prescription) on the Net very helpful to learn what exercises work what muscles.