|
2004/07/08, 10:37 AM
I'm a 5'0 tall, 170 lb woman and my main goal right now is weight loss and I'm a little confused about what counts as weight training. Right now my workout includes 2-3 days of a body sculpting class where I use 6-lb and 4-lb weights for my arms, chest and back. This class also includes things like squats and lunges for legs and some ab work. So is this weight training? What about using an elliptical training on a steep grade? I know that I am using my hamstrings and glutes that way, but does this count? In other words: do toning exercise fall under the "weight training" category?
|
|
|
|
2004/07/08, 11:03 AM
Weight training is using weights and or machines. I think the place you're confused on is the how much part. With weight training the idea is to progressively build up the amount you lift. This creates muscle. Take a look at the FT plans that are offered and see how they differ from what you're doing.
The type of that you are doing is building your endourance but not much muscle. There is a post by lumina in the female boards that you should read. It's the best explanation I've seen on the questions many women have about weight training. It's stickied at the top with a red pin.
The eliptical on a steep grade isn't weight training. It does count as somthing though. If you mix it with weight training you'll see amazing results. Hope this helps.
--------------
Foolish consistancies are the hobgoblins of small minds.
Charlie
|
|
2004/07/08, 11:48 AM
Thanks, Charlie. I filled out a fitness profile and looked at the plan the site put together for me. It seems all of the exercises listed are things we do in the body sculpting class (with the exception of chin-ups). Although right now I am only using 6 and 4 lb weights, my muscles are getting fatigued after about 8-10 reps. Hopefully next week I will be able to move to 8 and 6 lb weights and move on from there. I realize it doesn't seem like much weight, but I am getting a pretty good burn and my muscles do feel fatigued afterwards. So as for upper-body, does this sound like a good "weight training" program until I outgrow it?
As for lower body, I have to admit I'm afraid of bulking. It seems like I am one of these rare women who builds bulk muscle. In fact, even though I am overweight, my quads, calfs and hamstrings are still large and toned. Where I have the problem is my glutes and inner thighs. That being said, is the elliptical trainer on a steep incline, combined with the squats and lunges I do enough? Do I need to add weight to continue to build these muscles?
This has all been a little difficult for me since I don't really have the money to hire a good personal trainer.
|
|
2004/07/08, 12:05 PM
On the glutes and thighs, my wife too feared bulking and thought herself a genetic marvel and feared bulking up. . Now she's worried about loose skin. LOL. What did you think of lumina's article?
If you noticed , the FT workout gave you 4 sets of exercises with decreasing reps. The idea is to use the first couple of set for warmup and use lighter weights. As the reps decrease you increase the weight. On the final set you should barely be able to finish. As you progress you keep increasing the weight.
A personal trainer could be a great thing but not really necessary. Lots of folks here can help you in the beginning and if you need really specialized help nobody beats the mods here. At one time or another they have all helped me enormously.
--------------
Foolish consistancies are the hobgoblins of small minds.
Charlie
|
|
2004/07/08, 12:55 PM
Charlie, I did read Lumina's article and it does provide quite a bit of good information. I think when I get to the point where I am using 15lb or heavier weights I'll just drop the gym membership and invest in a set of free weights and a bench for myself. I have stayed away from the machines and free weight area at my gym just because it is overcrowded and is really nothing more than a place for the 20-something, over-tanned and scantily clad guys and gals to pick up a date for the weekend. I wish I was just joking about that, but unfortunately it's all too true.
Now that I'm thinking about it, I have another question for you. When I am working on my shoulders, I sometimes feel a clicking sensation. Is this normal or should I be concerned?
|
|
2004/07/08, 12:59 PM
Usually clicking is fairly normal if there's no pain.
--------------
Foolish consistancies are the hobgoblins of small minds.
Charlie
|
|
2004/07/08, 01:05 PM
I've been at my physical therapy for the past month and during my exercises there even it clicks from time to time. The therapist confirmed that the clicking is usually just the ligaments and tendons rubbing across each other or bones...nothing bad. If you feel PAIN however...thats a totally different situation.
|
|
2004/07/08, 01:08 PM
Thankfully, there's no pain. It just creeps me out a little.
|
