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2004/02/02, 02:03 AM
Hello...
I just joined a couple of days ago. I'm trying to go into the Army National Guard and am a female, 31 years old. I'm very muscular, but need to tone up and begin a cardio program before I go to training. I will probably ship out sometime in May or June.
Two years ago, I had ACL surgery so I have to be a little careful how I work my hamstrings and quads. I mainly use the Cybex machines at the local rec center, but the leg press machine hurts my knee (and I also get strange marks on my shoulders, but -- since it doesn't hurt, it's no big deal...just looks strange...). On the leg press machine, it feels like my quads can do the weight, but that knee gets sore. I used to ride my bike every day for the past 6 years, but haven't ridden much in the past year...I have very strong quads and calfs. I usually do calf raises of about 140 pounds (two sets of 20). I'm 5'1" and weigh 170 pounds...mostly muscle.
Anyway, I'm also working on my forearms right now. Getting them toned is difficult. They're about 11.5" right now, but lack definition.
Glad to find a website like this...from reading some other posts on here, all the folks look friendly and helpful. Sorry if I rambled too much here...I'm getting tired. :-)
Thanks!
JM
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2004/02/02, 02:29 AM
welcome jm and good luck. Will your kees be able to handle basic? well were all here for you - Mike
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I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it is gone past me I will turn to see fear's path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain
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2004/02/02, 02:44 AM
Quoting from mmaibohm:
> welcome jm and good luck. Will your kees be able to
> handle basic? well were all here for you - Mike
Yeah...it'll be fine. I don't have any trouble with running or squatting without additional weight. Knee just gets irritated with 150+ pounds on the machine. If I knock it down to about 120-130 or so, no knee problems. That's what I've been trying to do...less weight, more reps.
Thanks for the welcome!
JM
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2004/02/02, 03:03 PM
JM,
That's great that you're joining the Guard, and I'm sure you'll do well. For strengthening your weak areas, I would recommend some alternative set/rep routines. Change things up with higher and lower weights as well as higher and lower rep schemes to stimulate new growth and neuromuscular coordination. Also try some pyramiding down from a weight that you can handle, down to an easier weight, but more reps. That will make you stronger without the need to just push heavier weights around, especially on that knee.
BTW, if the marks on your shoulder are what I think they are, it is from pressing up into the pads on the machine, and they are tiny blood vessels that have burst open from the pressure. I used to get them all the time, and they fade away after a few days.
Good luck!
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Aaron M. Potts
Aarons Personal Training
http://www.aaronspersonaltraining.com
http://www.issacertifications.com
Jacksonville, FL
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