Strength Training Class Not Enough?

NoeHead

I take strength training class 3x a week in addition to some cardio classes and spin. We work out different body parts each day but does that suffice for a weight training session or lifting?? Or is that a totally different thing? I ask because I want to make sure that while losing I build muscles.

NoeHead

shameless bump.

NoeHead

BUELLER.....

xclassiqx

Depends how much you're challenging yourself in the class. Are you increasing the weights with each class? If you feel you're not getting enough strength training, get on the free weights and try out some of the moves from class.

redhead1910

Those classes usually don't involve anything other then dumbells, if you want to build real muscle you will have to lift heavy, and that will require going out into the weight room and using the barbells and machines. Look into a beginner program like stronglifts 5x5.

NoeHead

Depends how much you're challenging yourself in the class. Are you increasing the weights with each class? If you feel you're not getting enough strength training, get on the free weights and try out some of the moves from class.

I feel like I'm challenging myself and I try to increase weight gradually. I guess I'm having issues with fitting more lifting into my schedule which i would nee dto work on.

cwolfman13

What is your programs like? Is it progressive? Are you just doing **** tons of reps with little weight or are you doing reps in the 8-12 range where you're pretty much toast on the last rep? How long are you lifting for? Is it full body or a periodized split routine? Machines or free weights? Barbells or dumbbells? Do you do full body compound movements (i.e. squat, dead-lift, bench press, overhead press, pendlay rows, cleans)?

Need more information to adequately answer your question. Often these types of classes introduce people to the very basics and form, etc...but really don't constitute much of a workout because they're really focused on how to more than really pumping the iron. It really depends on the class though.

NoeHead

Those classes usually don't involve anything other then dumbells, if you want to build real muscle you will have to lift heavy, and that will require going out into the weight room and using the barbells and machines. Look into a beginner program like stronglifts 5x5.

In our class we use aerobic step, barbells, dumbells, medicine and swiss ball. I can add more weight to my barbell for heavier lifting. I will search strong lifts. I have about 100lbs to lose, you think i should decrease my cardio?

mikejholmes

I strongly suggest acquiring the book "Starting Strength". It'll teach you how to do the 5 main exercises properly. And you can do them in place of your strength training class. IMO you'd like the results. You might want to do that workout 3X a week in place of all your other workouts, at least for a few months.

NoeHead

What is your programs like? Is it progressive? Are you just doing **** tons of reps with little weight or are you doing reps in the 8-12 range where you're pretty much toast on the last rep? How long are you lifting for? Is it full body or a periodized split routine? Machines or free weights? Barbells or dumbbells? Do you do full body compound movements (i.e. squat, dead-lift, bench press, overhead press, pendlay rows, cleans)?

Need more information to adequately answer your question. Often these types of classes introduce people to the very basics and form, etc...but really don't constitute much of a workout because they're really focused on how to more than really pumping the iron. It really depends on the class though.

The class involves doing 3 12-15 reps of each body part. The class itself is about 50 minutes long and involves barbells, dumbells, medicine ball, swiss ball and the weighted stick(?) we do a lot of squats, deadlifts, bench press over the aerobic step, french press and bend over rows.

Some of th estuff is basic but he adds new things each class. So i've learned some moves and can use them outside class i just need to figure out when in my schedule to do them i suppose

Azdak

It's more difficult to control the intensity in those types of classes. In the long term, they become either more muscle endurance or, in some cases, more of a metabolic/cardio workout than actual resistance training.

Because of the tempo of the class, it is usually not that safe for lifting heavier weights, and you don't have control over recovery intervals.

You have to look at the structure of the class, your current level of conditioning, your familiarity with performing specific exercises and your goals.

So it's more like: Heavy lifting (traditional) > Group strength class > Nothing

If you really want to get into more of a "regular" lifting program, those sessions would take the place of the group classes.

NoeHead

Thanks everyone~!