How long

maoribadger
maoribadger Posts: 1,837 Member
edited March 7 in Fitness and Exercise
When you all started lifting how long did you find it took you all to start being able to put on more weight and how long to what you lift now?

I started learning heavy weights with my PT last week. I learned deadlifts, last week on first go did 20 then 30 then 40kg. This week I went up through the weights but did 3 sets of 3 at 60kg

I learned bench press this week and did 4 sets of ten at 35kg and did shoulder press last week and did I think 4 sets of 5 at 20kg but my shoulders are not the best. Am not expecting to be herculean overnight just really wondering what a realistic expectation should be, my PT has my first goal to be to lift my own bodyweight, currently 105kg but no time frame as yet

Replies

  • Chief_Rocka
    Chief_Rocka Posts: 4,710 Member
    How quickly you'll be able to move more weight is determined by many, many factors. Type of routine, age, genetic factors such a neural efficiency, joint thickness, leverages on various lifts, fiber typing...you get the idea. My point is that it's a bad idea to compare yourself to other people, the only thing you should measure is your own progress.
  • maoribadger
    maoribadger Posts: 1,837 Member
    Thankyou for the reply. I will try and keep this in mind. I'm kind of numbers and goal driven thanks to my OCD so I guess I just need to think of the bigger picture. Am trying to remember this with my weight loss too but its good to be reminded. At the moment my main struggle is my grip. The bars pretty thick and Ive got woefully small hands.
  • Chief_Rocka
    Chief_Rocka Posts: 4,710 Member
    lifting straps on pulling exercises like deadlifts help
  • kelly_e_montana
    kelly_e_montana Posts: 1,999 Member
    edited October 2014
    I really don't think you can compare yourself to anyone else. I really do think some of it's genetics but a lot of it is nutrition and consistency with a tried-and-true progressive routine and a constant re-evaluation of what type of routine works best for YOU. Lifting heavy is fun and natural for me. However, I've been running off and on for quite a few years, and even though I've gotten okay-ish at it, it's never felt good and I know my body is not naturally adept at longer distances. I could do it, but it's not where I naturally excel. I've always been strong and a good sprinter (must have lots of Type II muscle fibers) though.

    I started lifting heavy with barbells a year ago (before that, I had done bodybuilding routines with dumbbells and machines off and on for 10 years). My deadlift started out at 200 and is now at 315; my bench started out at 95 and is now at 155; my back squat started out around my bodyweight (170) and I am now at 255; my strict press went from about 75 to 115; my front squat went from 55 to 205. I generally lift 3-5 sessions per week. A lot of it is learning technique, too (which you can tell from my front squat).

    You can expect a lot of gains in the first year, so enjoy this time and eat to fuel your muscles. :) Have fun with it!
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