Comments on: Myths About Strength Training

By: tearsndreams

tearsndreams — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:56:09 +0000

I think you should start a fitness queries column. Here is my question.

Dear trainer,
I have been doing bicep/triceps for more than 2 years now. I actually have a 5 pound weight at my desk at work and I do it everyday. Yet no results. I might not have added much flab there but my arms have not toned or gained definition. I was actually looking to get some visible triceps muscles but none so far. So you think 5 pounds is too light?

Me:Dear Working Out at the Desk Person,
If you have only been using the 5 lbs for 2 years, then yes it definetly way too light for you. Move to 8 and 10 lbs. Try doing a superset(please check older posts). Try doing a wall push up, ladies push up instead of just the weights. Try taking a gallon of milk in each hand and lifting it above shoulders, then down to chest and then up again. DO not use momentum to push your arms upwards. Keep elbows tucked beside your waist and only move forearms. I will accept and and all paypal donations Bwaahahah

By: kayfitnessmantra

kayfitnessmantra — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:02:03 +0000

This is very true, I’ve been weight training for almost 2 yrs now. I do see muscle, but they are not huge and bulky. I’m still waiting to see definition so they actually do look toned.
Most women want to workout so they can “tone” their bodies, but what will you tone if you don’t have anything (muscle) to tone.
So first put on some muscle and then cut the fat to get the “toned look”.

Me: So very true, My biceps are pretty awesome. You can see it clearly even when I am *ahem* not flexing(Modesty is also one of my virtues hahaha). Its the flabby triceps I am working on.I have my monthly measurements tomorrow. Cant wait too see how much I have lost overall.

Did you do ur 5k on July 4th? I did it and I took 2 mins more than last time:( and I was tired. But i’ll practice hard this time. Next one is in September, unless I feel I improved my speed then I’ll do one in august.

Me: I did. So this was through downtown, 3 laps of one mile each. My first mile, I ran the whole way. 14.00 was the time. The 2nd lap, I walked part of way, the time showed 30 mins(16 min mile) And I still felt good and wanted to push myself and was running pretty well and then crashed at the last 1/2 mile.Last mile was 17 mins(46-47 timing was for the race) So it was slightly faster than my first 5k I think. But still a sucky time. People were going to the finishing line when I was starting my 2nd lap. I just read your blog and 33 is awesome. Thats 11 min a mile. You speed demon you. You should be very proud of that!! I havent signed up for any other races. I think I am also going to work harder. I totally am such a slacker and refuse to push myself. I havent run hard in weeks. All of them have been 13-15 min miles run.

By: Abha

Abha — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:55:11 +0000

i just started gym and i have just about an hour time with about 25mins of cardio thrown in. when i asked the trainer if i could do waights just about 2 days a week he said no way! he said you need to do it every single day. one day more of strength training and less of stretching for abs etc and another day more weights and less of rest of the stuff!

and now i know thats a good start! you so cool, woman!
hugs!

Me: If you alternate the muscles used, then you can workout everyday with weights, ie arms one day, legs the other. I tend to forget what I did from day to day thats why I do a 40-50 mins total body workout, 2-3x a week. That way I remember to work all the muscles. Are you liking your gym? You need to blog abt it
PS:Is your trainer hot .

By: kbpm

kbpm — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 07:45:41 +0000

Yeah, I agree. I have done minor amounts of weights for a long time now. Simple, self-taught bicep, tricep, leg ext., etc. Arms are not in best of shape now for sure, but I know that whatever activity I do (including running), weight training has to be an important part of it for max. benefit.

Me: Yup.. A lot of benefits to weight training. apity that so many women have misconceptions abt it.

By: Quirky Quill

Quirky Quill — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 06:43:48 +0000

There was a free bone density test at office which shattered my ignorant bliss. Calcium supplements and exercise should help. Or I’m doomed.

Me: I hope the you get diiferent results in a years time.

By: AnotherKiranInNYC

AnotherKiranInNYC — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 03:29:56 +0000

For me there is no feeling like watching how my strong arms look in a sleeveless shirt. They look wonderful!

Me: I just started wearing sleeveless after almost 12 years of NOT wearing them.

My body is transforming itself only due to lifting weights CONSISTANTLY. Something that just losing weight was not doing at all.
I cannot extoll the benefits of strength training enough. I am a total convert.

Me: YAY! I love how strong I lifting the 12 lb sucker .

By: Quirky Quill

Quirky Quill — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:05:33 +0000

Hmm- I, who suffer from osteopenia before having hit by 30s, nod head in vehement agreement. You just motivated me to buy dumb bells!

Me: You know, you can lift rice sacks instead I had to google osteopenia. How were you diagnosed with this? You have to weigh lift now just because of this reason .

By: jaya

jaya — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:27:24 +0000

this is a very informative post….

Me: Thats me, doing PSA for everyone.

By: SS

SS — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 04:30:35 +0000

Gosh! I was really among those who were under the myth. I am glad you wrote this post. I’ll add strength training to my schedule now. Thanks

Me: I really hope more and more women will find out that they will NOT bulky muscles. You have to take pictures before and after 4 weeks of 3x a week doing weights/resistance training

By: Munchkin's Mom

Munchkin's Mom — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 04:30:12 +0000

Very well written. The benefits of weight training are numerous. I wish more people would recognize its importance.

Me: Me too.