Women: What does heavy lifting mean to you, literally?
vinerie
Posts: 234 Member
I have really gotten into lifting, and I like to think I lift heavy, but maybe there is some special distinction between weight lifting and heavy lifting.
I generally do three sets of 10 on my various exercises at a weight where that third set is hard. I have increased my weight over the 7-8 months I've been doing this (sometimes more frequently than others). For instance, on bench, I started with the bar (45 pounds) and 15 pounds on each side. I just recently made it up to 25s on each side! Rep 8 and 9 and 10 on each set is a real struggle.
I also do deltoid flys (60 pounds on the machine), upright rows (the mini bar, plus 15 pounds on each side) or shoulder press (15 lb dumbbells), bicep curls (15 lb dumbbells), low row (60 pounds on the machine) lat pulldowns (70 pounds on the machine), and tricep pulldowns (45 pounds on the machine). For all I do 3 sets of 10. I also do squats with just the bar.
In addition, in between my bench sets, I do a set of 10 lunges (just body weight) and 10 back bends (not sure what they are officially called, but it's on that device where you hang upside down and use your lower back muscles to pull up.) Again, just body weight, 3 sets of 10 each; I go slowly, and there is a definite burn.
Lastly, I do planks, with obviously just body weight.
SO, to those who have seen real body transformation with heavy lifting...is this heavy lifting? Or does heavy lifting mean doing more than 3 sets, add weight and can only do one or two? Seems the latter you'll always need a spotter.
I generally do three sets of 10 on my various exercises at a weight where that third set is hard. I have increased my weight over the 7-8 months I've been doing this (sometimes more frequently than others). For instance, on bench, I started with the bar (45 pounds) and 15 pounds on each side. I just recently made it up to 25s on each side! Rep 8 and 9 and 10 on each set is a real struggle.
I also do deltoid flys (60 pounds on the machine), upright rows (the mini bar, plus 15 pounds on each side) or shoulder press (15 lb dumbbells), bicep curls (15 lb dumbbells), low row (60 pounds on the machine) lat pulldowns (70 pounds on the machine), and tricep pulldowns (45 pounds on the machine). For all I do 3 sets of 10. I also do squats with just the bar.
In addition, in between my bench sets, I do a set of 10 lunges (just body weight) and 10 back bends (not sure what they are officially called, but it's on that device where you hang upside down and use your lower back muscles to pull up.) Again, just body weight, 3 sets of 10 each; I go slowly, and there is a definite burn.
Lastly, I do planks, with obviously just body weight.
SO, to those who have seen real body transformation with heavy lifting...is this heavy lifting? Or does heavy lifting mean doing more than 3 sets, add weight and can only do one or two? Seems the latter you'll always need a spotter.
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It's subjective... but I personally consider it "heavy" with loads that are 75%+ of my 1RM, or some other measure of intensity (this is not taking the number of reps into consideration).0
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For me, "heavy lifting" means bodyweight since I'm a total weenie. I've been thinking I'll work up to real weights eventually but for now I'm still finding the bodyweight progression challenging. Maybe I'm wrong but I think the definition of lifting "heavy" varies from person to person.0
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I'm new to lifting as well and actually had to Google "what is heavy lifting" before I started. I'm not very far yet at all, doing dead weights with just the bar plus 5lbs on each side. I read that its considered heavy lifting when you are lifting and the last few reps are almost hard to complete. I do know the book I read "New Rules of Lifting for Women" said you should progress in terms of more weights but less reps, vs more reps. It should get harder, no doubt, and you may only get 2 reps instead of 10 but that's the plan I guess. Again, I'm new to it, and just google and watch YouTube videos to try to get some answers....and wing it as I go. Good luck!0
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I'm fairly new to it. What is heavy will vary from person to person.
For me, it's lifting as heavy as I can with good form for 5 sets of 5 reps. I don't do any exercises during my rests between sets. I'm actually following the program Ice Cream Fitness 5x5.0 -
You know, I don't even really think about the phrase "heavy lifting" until I read threads on here or when somebody asks what kind of weights I lift and my husband always blurts out "heavy ones!" because he thinks it's a weird question.
I think that lifting heavy is generally thought of as lifting in the 5ish rep range. I don't know if that means that a program like Strong Curves, which is more hypertrophy-centered, is considered medium lifting or not. But, in general, in my own mind, I consider a program where you're progressively adding weight to compound lifts as lifting heavy. So if that means that you start off doing dumbbell bench press using 15# dumbbells because that's what you can handle but the plan is to move on to 17.5# and 20#, etc., that's it. If you're swinging around 15# ad nauseum for infinity, with no plans to move up in weight, I don't consider that lifting heavy.0 -
For powerlifting (bench, squats, deadlifts and press) and olympic lifts (clean, snatch) there are strength standards that you can compare yourself to: see exrx.com
Calculate your one rep max first.
Otherwise, if it's heavy for you, it's heavy enough. But don't be afraid to add weight. But generally, rep ranges 3-5 is considered strength building; rep ranges 8-12 is consider muscle building (hypertrophy).0 -
You know, I don't even really think about the phrase "heavy lifting" until I read threads on here or when somebody asks what kind of weights I lift and my husband always blurts out "heavy ones!" because he thinks it's a weird question.
Right!? I have never heard this distinction of "heavy lifting" until I came to these boards. I was curious what people who swear by "heavy lifting" mean when they say they are not just lifting weights, but heavy lifting.
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You know, I don't even really think about the phrase "heavy lifting" until I read threads on here or when somebody asks what kind of weights I lift and my husband always blurts out "heavy ones!" because he thinks it's a weird question.
Right!? I have never heard this distinction of "heavy lifting" until I came to these boards. I was curious what people who swear by "heavy lifting" mean when they say they are not just lifting weights, but heavy lifting.
It's because there's a lot of people out there, women especially, who say they lift weights, and I find out later that they really mean they are using 5-pound dumbbells in a bodypump class at the gym.0 -
To me it means doing the big compound lifts, squats, deadlifts, bench press and some kind of rows, preferably with barbells (although I like dumbbell rows best). And then doing 3 to 6 sets of 3 to 10 reps where the last few reps are hard, maybe impossible on the last set. And then progressing, adding weight to the bar, often.0
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I was wondering and pondering this same topic.. I thought I may be a weenie lifter, but I am not... Yeah me..
And yeah to all of you gals out there...
Heavy lifting (btw) to me is lifting the fridge by my self (literally off the floor, not sliding) to another part of the room.. Can't do that yet, but close..0 -
hollydubs85 wrote: »You know, I don't even really think about the phrase "heavy lifting" until I read threads on here or when somebody asks what kind of weights I lift and my husband always blurts out "heavy ones!" because he thinks it's a weird question.
Right!? I have never heard this distinction of "heavy lifting" until I came to these boards. I was curious what people who swear by "heavy lifting" mean when they say they are not just lifting weights, but heavy lifting.
It's because there's a lot of people out there, women especially, who say they lift weights, and I find out later that they really mean they are using 5-pound dumbbells in a bodypump class at the gym.
^This. I think the term was to put a distinction between the 5lb infinite reps and lifting as heavy as you can with progression.0 -
Whether or not something is "heavy" is totally subjective, of course. What one person thinks is challenging may be different from what another person thinks is challenging, but it's important not to underestimate your abilities.
To me, lifting heavy involves using heavy enough weight so that the last 1-2 reps in each set is a struggle. If you're not having any difficulty until your last set, you could be lifting heavier. My guess is that you could squat WAY more than just the bar, especially if you're bench pressing 95 lbs. You're also doing a lot of upper body work and very little lower body work, which seems a bit odd and I'm wondering why.
To me, weight lifting also means progressively going heavier and heavier as you gain strength. The point of strength training is to gain strength - if you're lifting the same weight every single time, you're probably not gaining much of anything. You need to challenge your muscles or they're just going to remain the way they are.
Personally, I don't like wasting my workout time and I want to get as much benefit out of it as I can, so I keep my weight high (for me) and consistently try to go higher as long as I'm maintaining good form.
In the end, you can definitely call what you do lifting heavy. Nobody here can stop you. However, know that in some people's opinions, you're not lifting as heavy as you could and you might get better results if you tried. I think that, if you're enjoying your workout routine and you're satisfied with your results, then there's no reason to change anything. Your goals are your own.0 -
Heavy lifting for me is where the weight is heavy enough that you struggle on the last rep...usually 5 along with progressive loading meaning you are upping the weights each time...usually 2.5-10lbs (depending on the lift) each workout...why because you could lift 95lbs last workout so now you are going to try 100lbs this time.
Weight lifting can encompass heavy lifting but it also includes 5lb weights...
The number of reps defines what your goals are...if you are "heavy lifting" chances are you are trying to build strength....so max 5-6 reps is all you can do.
•1-5 Reps Per Set = Mostly Strength
•5-8 Reps Per Set = Strength AND Muscle Equally
•8-10 Reps Per Set = Muscle With Some Strength
•10-12 Reps Per Set = Muscle With Some Endurance
•12-15 Reps Per Set = Endurance With Some Muscle
•15-20 Reps Per Set = Mostly Endurance
ETA: I have been heavy lifting for almost 2 years, doing compound lifts and increased weights significantly in all of them...I have backed off a bit as my goals have changed but still heavy lifting.0 -
I'm only in my third week of StrongLifts 5x5. So far 65lbs. I feel the program is more about building "strength and power".
I'm also in week 12 of Strong Curves (3 sets of 10-30 reps). I feel this program targeting different areas--especially the glutes and hams.
I feel strength when I perform SL5x5. I feel a bit more power in sports.
I feel muscles bulging when I do SC. The more reps the more I feel my muscles.
I also do 4x8 of 50lb cable--lats, arms, legs and 30lb--butterfly; and captains chair or hanging leg lifts.
My other 4x8-30 full-body routines are with 15 to 20lb weights and "pushed" --focused more on speed.
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SL 5x5 is for building strength...compound lifts using more than one muscle.I'm only in my third week of StrongLifts 5x5. So far 65lbs. I feel the program is more about building "strength and power".
I'm also in week 12 of Strong Curves (3 sets of 10-30 reps). I feel this program targeting different areas--especially the glutes and hams.
I feel strength when I perform SL5x5. I feel a bit more power in sports.
I feel muscles bulging when I do SC. The more reps the more I feel my muscles.
I also do 4x8 of 50lb cable--lats, arms, legs and 30lb--butterfly; and captains chair or hanging leg lifts.
My other 4x8-30 full-body routines are with 15 to 20lb weights and "pushed" --focused more on speed.
SC is for endurance and from my understand isolation exercises.
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LyndseyLovesToLift wrote: »Whether or not something is "heavy" is totally subjective, of course. What one person thinks is challenging may be different from what another person thinks is challenging, but it's important not to underestimate your abilities.
To me, lifting heavy involves using heavy enough weight so that the last 1-2 reps in each set is a struggle. If you're not having any difficulty until your last set, you could be lifting heavier. My guess is that you could squat WAY more than just the bar, especially if you're bench pressing 95 lbs. You're also doing a lot of upper body work and very little lower body work, which seems a bit odd and I'm wondering why.
To me, weight lifting also means progressively going heavier and heavier as you gain strength. The point of strength training is to gain strength - if you're lifting the same weight every single time, you're probably not gaining much of anything. You need to challenge your muscles or they're just going to remain the way they are.
Personally, I don't like wasting my workout time and I want to get as much benefit out of it as I can, so I keep my weight high (for me) and consistently try to go higher as long as I'm maintaining good form.
In the end, you can definitely call what you do lifting heavy. Nobody here can stop you. However, know that in some people's opinions, you're not lifting as heavy as you could and you might get better results if you tried. I think that, if you're enjoying your workout routine and you're satisfied with your results, then there's no reason to change anything. Your goals are your own.
I read the OP's profile. She is pretty tall. I'm wondering if her body type may be one that makes squatting more difficult. I am not nearly that tall (5'6") but my body build is more of a long skinny leg type and I have a hard time squatting. I bench in the 90s and I front squat in the 70s. I've quit back squats entirely for now because they are extremely uncomfortable and not worth the aggravation for me.0 -
For me, heavy lifting = 75%+ of 1 rep max. Usually this means doing 5X3 or 5X5. If you can get to 10, it's not heavy enough for me to call it "heavy lifting." I don't call anything on a machine "heavy lifting." I don't call anything with bodyweight exercises "heavy lifting." Anything in the high rep range is cardio to me.0
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Thanks @sezxystef. Your post is helpful. I'm in the midst of defining my goals. I just want it all.0
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LyndseyLovesToLift wrote: »Whether or not something is "heavy" is totally subjective, of course. What one person thinks is challenging may be different from what another person thinks is challenging, but it's important not to underestimate your abilities.
To me, lifting heavy involves using heavy enough weight so that the last 1-2 reps in each set is a struggle. If you're not having any difficulty until your last set, you could be lifting heavier. My guess is that you could squat WAY more than just the bar, especially if you're bench pressing 95 lbs. You're also doing a lot of upper body work and very little lower body work, which seems a bit odd and I'm wondering why.
To me, weight lifting also means progressively going heavier and heavier as you gain strength. The point of strength training is to gain strength - if you're lifting the same weight every single time, you're probably not gaining much of anything. You need to challenge your muscles or they're just going to remain the way they are.
Personally, I don't like wasting my workout time and I want to get as much benefit out of it as I can, so I keep my weight high (for me) and consistently try to go higher as long as I'm maintaining good form.
In the end, you can definitely call what you do lifting heavy. Nobody here can stop you. However, know that in some people's opinions, you're not lifting as heavy as you could and you might get better results if you tried. I think that, if you're enjoying your workout routine and you're satisfied with your results, then there's no reason to change anything. Your goals are your own.
I read the OP's profile. She is pretty tall. I'm wondering if her body type may be one that makes squatting more difficult. I am not nearly that tall (5'6") but my body build is more of a long skinny leg type and I have a hard time squatting. I bench in the 90s and I front squat in the 70s. I've quit back squats entirely for now because they are extremely uncomfortable and not worth the aggravation for me.
I don't think height has anything to do with it.. I am 5 ft 7 and squat easily...low bar neutral/wide stance squats.
I have other friends on MFP who are over 6ft tall and squat and love it.
It's more about the type you are doing (high bar/low bar/front) and finding a comfortable stance...and good form of course0 -
LyndseyLovesToLift wrote: »Whether or not something is "heavy" is totally subjective, of course. What one person thinks is challenging may be different from what another person thinks is challenging, but it's important not to underestimate your abilities.
To me, lifting heavy involves using heavy enough weight so that the last 1-2 reps in each set is a struggle. If you're not having any difficulty until your last set, you could be lifting heavier. My guess is that you could squat WAY more than just the bar, especially if you're bench pressing 95 lbs. You're also doing a lot of upper body work and very little lower body work, which seems a bit odd and I'm wondering why.
To me, weight lifting also means progressively going heavier and heavier as you gain strength. The point of strength training is to gain strength - if you're lifting the same weight every single time, you're probably not gaining much of anything. You need to challenge your muscles or they're just going to remain the way they are.
Personally, I don't like wasting my workout time and I want to get as much benefit out of it as I can, so I keep my weight high (for me) and consistently try to go higher as long as I'm maintaining good form.
In the end, you can definitely call what you do lifting heavy. Nobody here can stop you. However, know that in some people's opinions, you're not lifting as heavy as you could and you might get better results if you tried. I think that, if you're enjoying your workout routine and you're satisfied with your results, then there's no reason to change anything. Your goals are your own.
I read the OP's profile. She is pretty tall. I'm wondering if her body type may be one that makes squatting more difficult. I am not nearly that tall (5'6") but my body build is more of a long skinny leg type and I have a hard time squatting. I bench in the 90s and I front squat in the 70s. I've quit back squats entirely for now because they are extremely uncomfortable and not worth the aggravation for me.
I don't think height has anything to do with it.. I am 5 ft 7 and squat easily...low bar neutral/wide stance squats.
I have other friends on MFP who are over 6ft tall and squat and love it.
It's more about the type you are doing (high bar/low bar/front) and finding a comfortable stance...and good form of course
Hmm. Take out height and put in "long femurs" then. I'm not saying that they make squats impossible but they do make certain variations more difficult. Experimenting a bit with different types of squats can make a world of difference.0 -
For me, it's pushing to my limits. When I get my new training cycle and get nervously excited to start.
My squats bench and deads are almost always in the 1-6 rep range, however accessory work can range all over the place. It's a successful day when I hit all prescribed weights on my main lift or lifts of the day and challenge myself on the accessories.0 -
"Heavy lifting" in my mind is what other people do... the people on MFP who post the impressive numbers in the "How much do you deadlift?" etc. threads for example. I'm not there yet.
I just call what I do "weight lifting". I lift progressively heavier, but way slower than any program prescribes. I'm middle-aged and the prospect of injury makes me wary, so I take it slow and careful.
I'm not sure where my threshold for "heavy" is. Maybe once I get to the point of squatting and deadlifting more than I weigh. So I agree with Lyndsey, it's totally subjective.0 -
To me, heavy lifting is something that varies from person to person, and involves progressing through higher weights though regular training. I aim for what I can do 8-10 reps of. If I could easily do more without a break, that is a "light" weight for me.
Maybe I'm explaining it weird, but my point is that something I consider heavy, someone else will consider light. But I see what I do as heavy lifting because I'm using weights that challenge me and gradually increasing them as I become stronger.0 -
LyndseyLovesToLift wrote: »
To me, lifting heavy involves using heavy enough weight so that the last 1-2 reps in each set is a struggle. If you're not having any difficulty until your last set, you could be lifting heavier. My guess is that you could squat WAY more than just the bar, especially if you're bench pressing 95 lbs. You're also doing a lot of upper body work and very little lower body work, which seems a bit odd and I'm wondering why.
Mostly because of limited time and current short term goals. I'm getting married this summer and I want to have the best arms I can! (Legs will be hidden under the dress). I'll add more legs after the wedding. As it is now, my gym workouts (including cardio and stretching) are getting close to 2 hours.
I've always had a tough time with squats and lunges. After a few my inner thigh muscles start to cramp. I've slowly made my way up to three sets of 10 lunges without cramping. After two sets of 10 with the bar on squats I could feel that cramping starting, so I'm not ready to add more weight on squats just yet. When those leg muscles cramp I can't get them to stop and then I'm out of commission for 3-4 days. (And no, it's not a dehydration issue. I drink plenty of water. As long as I can remember I have this cramping issue with lunges and squats. I have no idea why!)
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For me it usually means another tree has fallen and we need to cut it up.
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It really depends on who you talk to, but to me that is certainly heavy lifting. You don't need to be a bodybuilder to be lifting heavy, Keep it up!0
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Moving my mammoth recliner couch from point A to B. That thing is horrible and it doesn't move well. Haven't gotten furniture sliders for it either. In the gym though - anything that challenges me to move up. It's different if I'm doing one RM, versus my standard lifting where I do 8 or 10 reps. Either way, I'm not in the pink dumbbell brigade. The only time I touch a 10 lb weight is for certain lateral movement for shoulders.0
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Okay, here are the definitions I've culled from this thread on what it means to do "heavy lifting" as opposed to just weight lifting:
1) Any lift that is a struggle on the last 2-3 reps with the goal of progressing to more weight
2) Lifting where you are doing five sets of five reps, and all five are a struggle
3) Only free weights (I.e. no machines), and also meeting requirements of No. 1 and/or 2.
4) Lifting reps at 75% of your max
5) There is no distinction.
Thanks, everyone! As I said upthread, I had never really heard this distinction of "heavy" lifting before, so I was wondering if there was a certain set of metrics that made a lifting routine "heavy lifting" as opposed to just lifting.0
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