I'm lifting also, following some DVD programs. I was sick the majority of 2016 and only recently got cleared for lifting. I'm excited to put some muscle on, because I have gotten very weak.
I would like to lower my body fat some. If I get to 18% I will be happy.... Maybe... I am already happy, but a little bit of fat needs to go (why am I always trying to make improvements?)
I also want to forget about the scale. The scale is my enemy. I will use body fat percentage instead of weight from now on (thanks FitMom for the idea). Because I am putting on muscle, I am getting heavier and heavier. The scale is a liar!!!
As far as training, I don't follow any special program. I meet with a trainer once a week, and learn some exercises from her, then apply some of the exercises that I learn at the gym.
I do heavy dumbbells. I would like to get to 60 pound dumbells on the chest press this year. I am currently at 50. That's a tangible goal.
As far as diet, I want to continue what I am doing now (avoiding bad carbs, sugars and flours). It seems to be working well, although I will have a slip-up from time to time.
I started low carb way of eating 10/01/16 and added a mile on the treadmill and specific target area strength training exercises around 12/8/16. I do all these in the morning. I recently obtained a bowflex blaze and started doing the10 exercise/20 min whole body exercises on it in the evenings. I just want to keep at it and find ways to change it up a bit every couple weeks
I'd like to join! I'm starting barbell weight training right now, I'd like to be able to lift more than just the bar haha. I do squats 5x5, overhead presses 5x3, deadlifts 5x1, 3 sets of 30 sec planks. Then I switch it up two days later with squats 5x5, barbell rows 5x5, bench press 5x5 and 3 sets of 30 sec planks. All with just the bar so far, I would like to get much stronger by the end of the year, hopefully lose some inches as well.
Deadlift question for anyone who knows: should i start with some weight on there so I can practice proper form, or can I practice proper form just with the bar without having the barbell touch the floor?
Remember to keep your back totally straight, not curved. And stick your boobs out ha ha!
I do straight leg dead-lifts so the bar doesn't touch the floor. Legs are straight but knees are not completely locked, I hold the bar down close to my legs, go down as far as I can, keeping my back straight.
It's important to keep your back straight so you don't get back injuries.
You should use a mirror so you can watch your side.
And yes, use a lighter weight to practice your form first.
Chamomile - You can also just use dumbells to deadlift, which is arguably a safer choice for your shoulders anyway. Everything stronggal added is great advice too.
wefrogy - Which areas are you targeting right now for strength training?
Hi guys, I did a lot of weight lifting last time I got in shape and I'd like to join.
I usually do dead lifts, squats, a couple arm exercises (curls, etc). Then basic planks . It seemed to work really well last time. I prefer to do full body exercises because I felt like I got a better work out and I just felt great in general.
Sadly I have a 7 month old and between that and working overtime at my Jov I'm having trouble finding time. My goal this month is to start back.