When even the lightest disks are too heavy...

GeorgiePie88

A bit of a rant here. Trying to find some more shorties here that might have the same problem.

I'm quite new to lifting and am having enough trouble setting up the machines alone. The lightest disks for the leg press at our gym are 20 kg (~40 lbs). While I can easily press 20 kg on each side, the hard part is lifting the disks onto the machine. Today I tried to maintain my composure while doing so and ended up bashing one of them into my pelvis. Ouch. An even worse problem is when I come to a machine with more than 20 kgs on it! It's a work-out alone setting up the machine to use, and it's so embarrassing!

I also have issues with the shortest settings on machines still being too low. The highest setting of a seat still isn't high enough for me to use the machine properly. I end up having to skip the machines altogether just to use free weights. This isn't that bad, but it's still somewhat annoying. It's like if you're under 5'5, forget using any of the machines because you're too short for them...

Anyone else struggle with this? How do you deal with the embarrassment, and is it socially acceptable to ask someone for help with the heavy disk lifting?

livingleanlivingclean

Use 2 10kg plates from somewhere else?

People should not leave machines loaded, so asking for weights to be removed isn't something to be embarrassed about

cityruss

Ask for help.

In general, people are nice.

sijomial

Seems odd there aren't any smaller plates around.

Yes it's perfectly acceptable to ask for help - some clown had left the plate loaded shoulder press machine loaded with 20kg plates last night and I took them off to help a petite lady.

My daughter is 5'3" and doesn't struggle with the weights or the machines, keep at it and neither will you!

girlinahat

free weights may be better for you anyway, as you have to use more muscles to stabilise your body during the lift.

If you are struggling with the set-up of the machine (ie. the seat isn’t right, then no way can it be set safely for your body. I don’t use a stationary bike for this reason, as it doesn’t fit my body shape and makes me uncomfortable.

People shouldn’t leave machines set up, OR leave squat racks set up with massive weights, but they do, and there is nothing more annoying for me than lifting DOWN a 20kg weight from a height just to be able to set up the bar.

Can you work on kettlebells or something else to build strength? Or use dumbbells to get you to a point where lifting 20kg isn’t so much of an issue.

Definitely ask for help. And point out to anyone walking away from a loaded bar the fact that you are really going to struggle to clear it. People just don’t consider it an issue, but they should.

LKArgh

Yes, you can ask for help, of course. You can also point out to someone leaving a machine that he forgot to remove his plates.
However, the way you describe it, trying free weights (dumbbells will do if bar is too heavy) might be a better option for you. Personally, I find few machines to be effective and easy to set up, without spending half my workout readjusting seat, height etc

rybo

Free weights are much better anyways. Don't stress about the machines.

middlehaitch

I'm little (102lbs) and 5'1 and have had no problem adjusting the machines so they work for me. I can sometimes take a bit of trial and error getting the correct seat position. I think body proportions may play a part.

Machines that I use successfully: lat pull down, seated row, chest press, pec deck, leg press, and a couple of others that I can't remember because it has been a while.

I too usually have to deload the leg press. It is usually returning 4 50lbs to the squat rack. Just take them off in a wide leg squat position, stand, walk them over, then squat to replace them. I look on it as a little extra practice for squatting as that is my weakest lift.

One of the guys at the gym once offered to do the de racking for me and was all smiles when I said I was okay and could handle it, so don't be afraid to ask for some assistance when you need it.

See if you can transfer your routine to dumbbells or a lighter bar. My gym brought in a 17lbs and 35lbs bar for me because the 45 was too heavy to start with.

Cheers, h.