[skygirl]

Sorry if these are silly questions. Thanks in advance to anyone who is willing to shed some light on this for me.

I'm wondering if it is considered good/ok/safe to take weight lifting classes, that use bars and removable plates.

I did this a few years ago and didn't have too much of a problem, but went back to it today and it felt different. Maybe just because it was my first day back to class, I'm not sure.

But I've seen a bit on here about the pros and cons of different kinds of weights, like machines vs. free weights, so I thought I would ask. Are the bars and plates in class still considered to be free weights?

For those of you who use free weights, did you teach yourselves or do you work out with a trainer?

If I can't afford a trainer, would it be better to just stick with the classes?

Thanks!

[nelie]

Those classes are more along the lines of aerobic weight training than traditional weight training. Their purpose is to raise your heart rate by lifting a load rather than jumping around. You can definitely gain muscle doing those although I imagine that you can only use so much weight do to the pace and what not. I don't see anything wrong with the classes as long as you are using good form.

[WaterRat]

And yes, bars and plates are free weights.

Wow, there must be a lot of room in that class, it would make me nervous....

[nelie]

Pat - Those classes use smaller bars, they don't use the olympic size bars, that would be funny although at Crossfit we use olympic bars and sometimes you have to juggle around your space a bit.

I've attended one of those classes once in the past.

[StephanieM]

I wish my gym had classes like that, it would be fun to do it with a group of people instead of stumbling along on my own.

[mkroyer]

I agree those classes are more cardio based. If youre going to do 100 squats, you just arent going to be able to lift very heavy, but youll definitely get your HR up! Anything that gets you moving, burning calories, and excited about exercise is a GOOD thing. But i wouldnt ever count it as "strength" training.
You can get yourself a good book to teach you, like the New Rule of Lifting for Women. Of course having a traininer at first can be a big help with form, but lifting should not be intimidating. its A BLAST. I would rather weight train than RUN a lot of the time (this coming from a marathoner)

[WaterRat]

Originally Posted by nelie

Pat - Those classes use smaller bars, they don't use the olympic size bars, that would be funny although at Crossfit we use olympic bars and sometimes you have to juggle around your space a bit.

I've attended one of those classes once in the past.

Whew, just the mental image terrified me. The "body pump" classes at our gym use DBs, usually in the 5-8-10 lb range. I prefer that class to a straight cardio class, but I would never substitute it for weight lifting.

[skygirl]

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate the help! I guess for now I will keep going to the classes, but also buy that book. Once I take a look at the book, maybe I'll try to do some regular lifting on my own, or try to see if I can do one session with a trainer to at least have some idea of form.

Originally Posted by WaterRat

And yes, bars and plates are free weights.

Wow, there must be a lot of room in that class, it would make me nervous....

Lol, I figured I was asking a silly question, but I really wasn't sure of the answer. Sometimes the classes do get sort of crowded.

Thanks again all!