Litting Heavy is One of Many Options
Replies
-
Everything I have ever read about fitness (from reputable sources and books not trying to sell me something) have stressed the importance of strength training. I have read books on running, and swimming, and other endurance sports. They all have a section on resistance training on the off days for those who are serious about their activity.
Some of the PT journals that were around the hospital talked about the importance of strength training in athletes being needed to help even things out a bit. Think about how the one sidedness will affect you if you only run, or do elliptical, or whatever you will get a well toned lower body. Your upper body and core will be out of proportion with the rest of you unless you challenge them as well.
Strength training also helps to support the joints and strengthen the muscles utilized in your cardio routine. When I started running, I had huge issues with my knees. I started working my legs with strength training, and eventually, I could start running again with no knee problems.
When we talk with patients here in the clinic, and they need to lose weight due to severe obesity issues that are affecting their health, all of the educational materials we provide as well as education focus on the triad of fitness: Strength, Cardio, and Flexibility0 -
Ignore her Sara. She is the Master Troll. Never provides any kind of proof, heavy chip on her shoulder for 'meatheads'.
Remember this is My Fitness PAL, not BODYBUILDING Dot COM. Let's support everyone on their fitness journey and respect the different paths they choose to get there. We may not all have the same goals, but we do share the common desire to be fit and healthy, so can we get there will a little less judgement.
Ha!! Good luck with that. In the 2+ years I've been here, when I mention that I don't lift heavy I've been told I will be skinny fat, my muscles will waste away, I will not look good naked, I will end up in a nursing home, my bone density will decrease, plus a few other things I'm forgetting at the moment.
I am told this even when I mention that I do body weight exercises, lift occasionally (but not progressively heavier and higher reps) and plyometrics, among various other exercises.
None of it has happened though. The only 2 people that see me naked think I look good. My strength and endurance have increased, while my weight, pants size and BF% have decreased.
The headless torsos don't really know it all.
Excuse me? I think I am the only headless torso in this thread so far and I have never told someone they 'have' to 'lift heavy' to achieve their goals.
I'm pretty sure this thread hasn't been here for 2+ years.
huh?
Meatheads??0 -
A good foundation is the key here. First correcting your posture, many people have desk or repetitive jobs, so any muscle imbalance must be corrected, and the body aligned with stretching and or yoga, if you do any exercise with poor posture it will at some point cause you injury! 2nd body weight, balance and coordination exercises, for example; Calisthenics, press ups, pull ups, planks to front/side, burpees, hanging leg raise, lunges forwards back and sideways, box jumps etc this is because we need to be fully functional and the neurological pathways need to be trained, I believe the development of core strength is paramount, after this you are ready to lift weight, the logic being this 'if you cannot stand correctly or effectively use your body under its own weight, then it is unwise to add extra heavy weight on top of a poor foundation'
... this is my way
0 -
Remember this is My Fitness PAL, not BODYBUILDING Dot COM. Let's support everyone on their fitness journey and respect the different paths they choose to get there. We may not all have the same goals, but we do share the common desire to be fit and healthy, so can we get there will a little less judgement.
Ha!! Good luck with that. In the 2+ years I've been here, when I mention that I don't lift heavy I've been told I will be skinny fat, my muscles will waste away, I will not look good naked, I will end up in a nursing home, my bone density will decrease, plus a few other things I'm forgetting at the moment.
I am told this even when I mention that I do body weight exercises, lift occasionally (but not progressively heavier and higher reps) and plyometrics, among various other exercises.
None of it has happened though. The only 2 people that see me naked think I look good. My strength and endurance have increased, while my weight, pants size and BF% have decreased.
The headless torsos don't really know it all.
Excuse me? I think I am the only headless torso in this thread so far and I have never told someone they 'have' to 'lift heavy' to achieve their goals.
I'm pretty sure this thread hasn't been here for 2+ years.
huh?
That was my reaction.
My posts says I've been told those things over the past 2+ years. I was not refering to anyone in this thread in particular.
So your post was a general insult to everyone in the past 2 years whose profile pic is of their torso?0 -
If the persons goal is getting rid of fat and retaining lbm, or getting thinner and flatter and firmer, helping arthritis (like I have) or increasing bone density, then I admit I usually recommend progressive strength training, because that works the best. If you're just looking at something to keep you active and healthy, by all means, there are a ton of things that benefit. I have no problem with bodyweight exercises since I'm kinda looking for more exercises to do with it. And HIIT and other more cardio based activities are great for all kinds of reasons. Doing something is a lot better then doing nothing. And not once have I ever see you MUST lift heavy or you are not cool or anything of that nature. Unless they are asking for the most accurate way to get lean, then yes, the recommendation would be lift heavy.If you have been on MFP for a while, you will notice that lifting heavy is the most popular advice members are given regardless of fitness goal. Before anyone goes crazy, I'm not against lifting heavy, but I feel the routine should match the goals and lifting heavy does not work for every goal. At the same time, any other suggestion such as bodyweight exercises or metabolic training are ridiculed or dismissed by SOME members, when these exercises could be more or just as effective for a members goals.
As for safety and injuries when they do it wrong...doing anything wrong will result in that, so I'm not sure why the lifting ones were specifically pointed out. I've seen many a person injure themselves during dance, yoga/pilates, and countless runners for doing various things wrong. And some of them have been quite serious.
Also I'm not a body builder...wtf does that have to do with everyone who lifts...But yes, they do recommend those routines. I've seen countless people 'keep up the gains' for a extended period of time on a deficit (years). And they don't necessarily make cardio suffer, in fact it helped mine by allot.
If cardio makes you excited and you like intense training go for it. It can be a great thing for your health if you go about it the right way. Running longer and faster are great accomplishments and I consider them positive. Nobodys goal should be to have terrible cardiovascular health. That being said I am a little concerned when someone says they don't want strength. For the sake of your health you should to some extent even if not done via heavy lifting. Nobodys goal should be to be weak and brittle.
I understand not liking strength training. I hated it to pieces. TO PIECES! But then I started looking way more amazing then I did with just cardio and dance/stretch/yoga stuff and I was all F yeah. Endurance still speaks to me. But not in the form of running. I'm more long distance hiker.
And since you said it several times I'll say it several times to let it sink in. PEOPLE WHO LIFT ARE NOT BODY BUILDERS. Very very few people who lift that I know are doing it for body building. I've seen very very few posts on body building on this site or promoting it. I don't think you know what body building is. I lift heavy, I am not a body builder, this is not a body builder body.
0 -
I don't really care about how many cases of water I can lift at one time. For me it has NOTHING to do with strength, and everything to do with losing FAT while maintaining my lean mass. This is the key to not having to decrease your calories every 10lbs. It's not about losing just weight. I'd wager a guess that no one here wants to lose lean mass vs fat lol0
-
I've said it before, but there's always new people, so I'll say it again... the reason I like heavy lifting so much is because I *DON'T* particularly like lifting weights. So I want to do what it takes to get the absolute MOST impact in the shortest amount of time. I don't lift heavy because I'm a fitness nut. I lift heavy because I'm lazy and don't want to devote endless hours to fitness.
And I'm getting to an age where it's normal for women to lose muscle mass and bone density, so I want to combat that.
And made me able to run faster and longer.
And I haven't hurt myself doing normal (and abnormal) household duties like I used to.
And I can bring in all the groceries in one trip.
And it made my tushy look fantastic. :blushing:
LOL sounds about right0 -
I've said it before, but there's always new people, so I'll say it again... the reason I like heavy lifting so much is because I *DON'T* particularly like lifting weights. So I want to do what it takes to get the absolute MOST impact in the shortest amount of time. I don't lift heavy because I'm a fitness nut. I lift heavy because I'm lazy and don't want to devote endless hours to fitness.
And I'm getting to an age where it's normal for women to lose muscle mass and bone density, so I want to combat that.
And made me able to run faster and longer.
And I haven't hurt myself doing normal (and abnormal) household duties like I used to.
And I can bring in all the groceries in one trip.
And it made my tushy look fantastic. :blushing:
LOL sounds about right
I can carry my four year old and two year old, one in each arm, indefinitely. I don't have to put them down because of exhaustion. I like feeling strong, and I like that they see that daddy is strong. Comforts children to know their parents are superheros :-)0 -
While there are many options, there are options that provide better results. The OP has stated she abhors lifting, so that's probably NOT going to be a priority. Some lose weight with no exercise at all. Weight loss with cardio and calorie deficit works. Some are happy with the result, some aren't. And the same goes with lifting and calorie deficit. Although, my experience is that people that do have resistance training as part of their weight loss program are more satisfied with results.
The reality is that people are going to lose weight the way they think works for them. Some will get results they want, some won't. But my personal philosophy for all clients is to retain what lean body mass they have, better their overall fitness (which includes cardio), and help them achieve the physique they desire.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
This is pretty much my philosophy as well. Resistance/strength training should be a part of a routine for best results. But if you don't enjoy heavy lifting, or for other reasons can't do it, there are other ways to do it. For some, enjoyment is a big factor in consistency.
I'm not anti- heavy lifting. I'm just pro- enjoyment. Or pro- not hating the workout. Because I can't honestly say I "enjoy" pushups, dips or planks. I just enjoy them more than weights.0 -
Remember this is My Fitness PAL, not BODYBUILDING Dot COM. Let's support everyone on their fitness journey and respect the different paths they choose to get there. We may not all have the same goals, but we do share the common desire to be fit and healthy, so can we get there will a little less judgement.
Ha!! Good luck with that. In the 2+ years I've been here, when I mention that I don't lift heavy I've been told I will be skinny fat, my muscles will waste away, I will not look good naked, I will end up in a nursing home, my bone density will decrease, plus a few other things I'm forgetting at the moment.
I am told this even when I mention that I do body weight exercises, lift occasionally (but not progressively heavier and higher reps) and plyometrics, among various other exercises.
None of it has happened though. The only 2 people that see me naked think I look good. My strength and endurance have increased, while my weight, pants size and BF% have decreased.
The headless torsos don't really know it all.
Excuse me? I think I am the only headless torso in this thread so far and I have never told someone they 'have' to 'lift heavy' to achieve their goals.
I'm pretty sure this thread hasn't been here for 2+ years.
huh?
That was my reaction.
My posts says I've been told those things over the past 2+ years. I was not refering to anyone in this thread in particular.
So your post was a general insult to everyone in the past 2 years whose profile pic is of their torso?
No, just the one's that made the comments to me.0 -
Someone mention minions?
Have you seen the happy meal toys?!?!! No, really. They're freaking awesome.0 -
I just wanted to mention about about injuries and safety.
In the years leading up to when I started lifting, I would hurt myself by using improper body mechanics every few months, just doing ordinary things around the house. Well, maybe not so ordinary. But I can't possibly be the only woman to buy 40 pound buckets of cat litter, to put air conditioners in windows by herself, to rearrange furniture, etc. I have a large collection of wrist, knee and ankle braces, and spent a lot of time on the couch with a heating pad and a bunged up back.
In the two and a half years I've been here, I've had one semi-major injury. A stress fracture. From running.
I also had several weeks when I was in a great deal of pain when I first started exercising because I was doing squats with bad form, using 2 pound dumbbells. Because I hadn't done my home work and learned good form. The minute I started pushing through my heels instead of my toes, the pain went away.
In other words... ANYTHING you do can cause injury, if you don't do it properly.
I'm very careful and cautious when it comes to lifting heavy. If I don't feel confident I can manage the weight, I go lighter. Heavy is about what's heavy for you, not going in there first thing and lifting like you're Dwayne Johnson.
^^^^ This.
I have been working out steadily for 4 years, doing cardio and lifting what I could. Granted, I started out from a very different perspective - I was only 113 pounds when I started working out. And I'm 5'9". I had major health problems. I couldn't walk 1/2 an hour on the treadmill at 3 mph. So I feel you guys, I really really do. I fell down doing bodyweight squats and lunges. I *HAD* start light and carefully in order to build up every bit of my musculature and balance in order to progress. It took over two years before I achieved any sort of 'normal' fitness level.
But then I got lax. I was happy just doing the same thing over and over and I had trainers that were afraid to push me. So I pushed myself with cardio.... Right about that time though, I found my new trainer. And he started working with me on different mechanics, leading me towards big girl lifting - but I still developed pretty slowly, because I wasn't eating enough. He worked with me on that and I got to where I could eat at maintenance and even surplus.
Then last year, I collapsed. My whole world fell apart and I started missing gym sessions, eating anything and everything and in the course of a couple of months, put on 15 pounds. (it's really easy to do in my family!) And I was an emotional wreck with caring for my mom with in-hospice for 3 weeks before she passed away and then losing my last kitty at the same time.
That's when I figured out that I wanted major change. I found MFP to help get my eating back under control. EVERYTHING in my life was out of control, and my fitness was one thing I knew I could do and do right. I sat down with my trainer and talked through everything with him. Most of the weight was stress weight and came off really quick. But I also have focused more on weight loss AND recomp at the same time, and heavy lifting is the one thing I changed and the results have been AMAZING.
It is not instantaneous. It is not easy. It's a lot of hard work, but it's A LOT of fun and so worth it. I still do my walking for sanity and my stationary bike for my asthma, but I have split them up a bit and I focus work a lot more with the heavy weights and every time I set a new personal best - I am amazed at what I can and have done. And I am NOT bulky - nowhere near it! I have a different shape and look than I have ever had before, and I have a near perfect flat stomach and abs for the first time in my life - even with the consistent working out for the last 4 years. All that changed was heavy lifting and getting the macros right - that's it. I still eat lots of carbs and sugar and fat. I still sit on the couch and play video games or work 15 hour days.
So it's not for everyone, I can see how some people may hate it! But I can't do endurance and I can't run. I have severe asthma and I battle it every day. Learning how I *can* push myself to achieve what I want has been half the battle. And lifting has been my ammo. And I will always suggest that someone at least be open minded enough to try it for themselves.0 -
Totally Agree OP. I started lifting weights for three weeks, and I started to look like the Rock! People kept telling me to shave my head, wear sleeveless under armour, and convince people to be a hero constantly! So I stopped. I didn't want to get super bulky. I'm going more for the abercrombie and fitch look. good Post OP0
-
Totally Agree OP. I started lifting weights for three weeks, and I started to look like the Rock! People kept telling me to shave my head, wear sleeveless under armour, and convince people to be a hero constantly! So I stopped. I didn't want to get super bulky. I'm going more for the abercrombie and fitch look. good Post OP
LOL. I have no words.0 -
If you have been on MFP for a while, you will notice that lifting heavy is the most popular advice members are given regardless of fitness goal. Before anyone goes crazy, I'm not against lifting heavy, but I feel the routine should match the goals and lifting heavy does not work for every goal. At the same time, any other suggestion such as bodyweight exercises or metabolic training are ridiculed or dismissed by SOME members, when these exercises could be more or just as effective for a members goals.
Starting Strength, All Pros and Stronglifts 5x5 are all great programs and there are countless testimonies of people who have gained strength from those programs. But let's be clear, gaining strength is the priority of those programs, not weight loss. Weight loss is possible on a calorie deficit, but you would undermine the very goal of this program, which is to gain strength. While some posters on MFP like to promote those programs for weight loss over other programs, bodybuilding.com and other bodybuilder sites don't generally promote these routines where weight loss is the PRIMARY goal, because your body doesn't have enough fuel to keep up the gains. Plus these routines are strenuous and may cause the cardio to suffer. No problem if you don't care for cardio, a big problem if you are prepping for a 10K in a few months.
I am posting because I feel there is an attitude among SOME posters that there way is the only way and I think we can all achieve our fitness goals, but we may take a different path to get there. Personally I prefer metabolic training over traditional strength training because it is more exciting and intense to me. I want to get stronger, but gaining strength is not even in my top 3 fitness goals. At the end of the day I want to lose weight, run longer and faster. When i get closer to my goal weight, my fitness goals may change and lifting heavy may be exactly what I need, but for now it is just not the best choice for my fitness goals. Besides I find traditional strength training boring as hell. It is a chore to do and I get no enjoyment out of it. I do it when I have to, but avoid it if I can. Endurance activities speak to me. So if I had to choose between doing 100 Burpees and BW squats superset over doing 5 heavy weight squats, burpees win .
Remember this is My Fitness PAL, not BODYBUILDING Dot COM. Let's support everyone on their fitness journey and respect the different paths they choose to get there. We may not all have the same goals, but we do share the common desire to be fit and healthy, so can we get there will a little less judgement.
Heavy lifting is not causing me any problems with training for my running goals. I like my muscle and bone density and would like to keep both. I lift heavy a few times per week, am gaining strength, and am doing a marathon training plan.
Burpees never win in my world, deadlifts do. Maybe you should try "a little less judgement".0 -
Someone mention minions?
Have you seen the happy meal toys?!?!! No, really. They're freaking awesome.
I agree!0 -
Totally Agree OP. I started lifting weights for three weeks, and I started to look like the Rock! People kept telling me to shave my head, wear sleeveless under armour, and convince people to be a hero constantly! So I stopped. I didn't want to get super bulky. I'm going more for the abercrombie and fitch look. good Post OP
...I was looking for a "j/k" at the end of your post, but...yeah.0 -
If you have been on MFP for a while, you will notice that lifting heavy is the most popular advice members are given regardless of fitness goal. Before anyone goes crazy, I'm not against lifting heavy, but I feel the routine should match the goals and lifting heavy does not work for every goal. At the same time, any other suggestion such as bodyweight exercises or metabolic training are ridiculed or dismissed by SOME members, when these exercises could be more or just as effective for a members goals.
Starting Strength, All Pros and Stronglifts 5x5 are all great programs and there are countless testimonies of people who have gained strength from those programs. But let's be clear, gaining strength is the priority of those programs, not weight loss. Weight loss is possible on a calorie deficit, but you would undermine the very goal of this program, which is to gain strength. While some posters on MFP like to promote those programs for weight loss over other programs, bodybuilding.com and other bodybuilder sites don't generally promote these routines where weight loss is the PRIMARY goal, because your body doesn't have enough fuel to keep up the gains. Plus these routines are strenuous and may cause the cardio to suffer. No problem if you don't care for cardio, a big problem if you are prepping for a 10K in a few months.
I am posting because I feel there is an attitude among SOME posters that there way is the only way and I think we can all achieve our fitness goals, but we may take a different path to get there. Personally I prefer metabolic training over traditional strength training because it is more exciting and intense to me. I want to get stronger, but gaining strength is not even in my top 3 fitness goals. At the end of the day I want to lose weight, run longer and faster. When i get closer to my goal weight, my fitness goals may change and lifting heavy may be exactly what I need, but for now it is just not the best choice for my fitness goals. Besides I find traditional strength training boring as hell. It is a chore to do and I get no enjoyment out of it. I do it when I have to, but avoid it if I can. Endurance activities speak to me. So if I had to choose between doing 100 Burpees and BW squats superset over doing 5 heavy weight squats, burpees win .
Remember this is My Fitness PAL, not BODYBUILDING Dot COM. Let's support everyone on their fitness journey and respect the different paths they choose to get there. We may not all have the same goals, but we do share the common desire to be fit and healthy, so can we get there will a little less judgement.
Heavy lifting is not causing me any problems with training for my running goals. I like my muscle and bone density and would like to keep both. I lift heavy a few times per week, am gaining strength, and am doing a marathon training plan.
Burpees never win in my world, deadlifts do. Maybe you should try "a little less judgement".
I didn't see the OP as judgment. She didn't say you or anyone else should not lift heavy or that it would cause problems. She just said please don't derogate others who have different goals or methods.0 -
Totally Agree OP. I started lifting weights for three weeks, and I started to look like the Rock! People kept telling me to shave my head, wear sleeveless under armour, and convince people to be a hero constantly! So I stopped. I didn't want to get super bulky. I'm going more for the abercrombie and fitch look. good Post OP
...I was looking for a "j/k" at the end of your post, but...yeah.
I wish i was "j/k"ing. But it's my cross to bear. I didn't even talk about what happened to my eyebrows.
0 -
Heavy lifting is not causing me any problems with training for my running goals. I like my muscle and bone density and would like to keep both. I lift heavy a few times per week, am gaining strength, and am doing a marathon training plan.
DOMS *can* interfere with quality runs, so there does need to be some balance. But don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. I do 2 days a week of lifting and am on a half-marathon plan. I've seen my running form improve immensely due to additional core/hip stabilizer strength.0 -
Totally Agree OP. I started lifting weights for three weeks, and I started to look like the Rock! People kept telling me to shave my head, wear sleeveless under armour, and convince people to be a hero constantly! So I stopped. I didn't want to get super bulky. I'm going more for the abercrombie and fitch look. good Post OP
...I was looking for a "j/k" at the end of your post, but...yeah.
I wish i was "j/k"ing. But it's my cross to bear. I didn't even talk about what happened to my eyebrows.
^ Winning!0 -
Bumo0
-
bump for later0
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.4K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 427 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions