Light lifting weight gain(?) and other weight lifting question

generallyme2
generallyme2 Posts: 403 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Alright, so I've been lifting off and on for a few months now- which is better than none at all like I used to! And I'm finally making it a habit, however, I can only use the 'mommy room' at the gym and the ONLY weights they have is a set of 5lbs and a set of 12 lbs. I've been using the 12lbs for my arms but don't really have to work at it until the very end of each set (and even then, the first set is a bit easy)

My questions are:
- I know that when you start to lift there tends to be a weight increase as your body repairs itself. Does this even happen with 'light' weights? Despite keeping my cals in check, I've noticed a small increase.

- Is there a way that I can increase the resistance so I'm not stuck at 12lbs forever? Or even some body resistance exercises that really work to strengthen and tone. I want to get stronger and lose weight/slim down.

Thanks! :smiley:

Replies

  • amybg1
    amybg1 Posts: 631 Member
    Why can you only use this section at the gym? If it's a policy of theirs, might want to change gyms! If you do have a young child and this room is so you can watch the little one and cut some of the childminding cost, again you would want to change gyms. Some will offer childminding at little to no extra cost
  • generallyme2
    generallyme2 Posts: 403 Member
    Because I have both of my kids with me- we homeschool and this is the only place they're allowed (though technically, my 8 yr old is considered too old to be in there). Switching gyms would mean an extra 20-30 driving each way and money I really don't have right now- I have free access to this gym. That's why I was looking for a way to make it work :)
  • stuffinmuffin
    stuffinmuffin Posts: 985 Member
    Can you not ask them to improve their facilities??
  • mymodernbabylon
    mymodernbabylon Posts: 1,038 Member
    Can you ask them to add heavier weights to this section of the gym - tell them it's insulting that they think 'mommies' only want to lift up to 12 lbs. They could at least get that section some kettle bells of decent weight so you could do a good workout with those!
  • Cc215
    Cc215 Posts: 228 Member
    If you promised to return them afterwards, would they let you wander into the "non-mommy" section - pick up the weights you need and take them into your bit of the gym?
  • Cc215
    Cc215 Posts: 228 Member
    mymodernbabylon wrote: »
    Can you ask them to add heavier weights to this section of the gym - tell them it's insulting that they think 'mommies' only want to lift up to 12 lbs. They could at least get that section some kettle bells of decent weight so you could do a good workout with those!

    or this
  • generallyme2
    generallyme2 Posts: 403 Member
    I've complained before about the lack of anything in that area but they told me that's not 'their job' lol but I think I'll put it in writing and send it up past them. I've never done kettle bells, so I definitely want to give that a try and it wouldn't take up much space in there either.

    And you're right! It IS insulting and frustrating.
  • rejectuf
    rejectuf Posts: 487 Member
    Honestly if that's all the equipment they provide you might as well buy some adjustable dumbbells and work out at home. Save yourself the driving time.
  • bostonwolf
    bostonwolf Posts: 3,038 Member
    I don't think anyone would care if you walked over to the "real" section, grabbed the weights you needed, used them and then returned them.

    If you are eating at a surplus (even a slight one) you'll see some gain as you add muscle. This shouldn't be large amounts right away though. You have to be lifting much heavier weights to get serious muscle gain.

    If you can't go above 12lbs, ways to increase resistance would be to slow down the rep. If you are doing curls, take five seconds up, pause, five seconds down. The difference will be significant. This also helps you perfect your form, which will help down the road when you are able to increase weights.
  • philwrightfitness
    philwrightfitness Posts: 122
    Invest in some resistance bands, they can be used on their own or in conjunction with your Dumbbells , they add extra "weight" and up the intensity of your exercise, you can use them at home or the gym
  • generallyme2
    generallyme2 Posts: 403 Member
    Thanks :)
    I can't just buy them and do it at home or I've found that I stop after a week or so... I need to build up a strong habit first.

    I've never tried using resistance bands with dumbbells and I already have some bands so I'll give that a try as well as slowing them down. I don't believe I'm eating at a surplus (I'm about 1700 for my tdee) and my diary is open though I took a week long break from mfp to get my stuff straight but you can see recently and before my break is mostly 1500-1700.

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