first weight lifting session

bigred503
bigred503 Posts: 98
in Fitness and Exercise
Is it normal for a woman to start lifting kind of heavy for a beginner, like 40 lbs for upper body, 80 lbs for lower body? all done on the bowflex of course...

Replies

  • zytah
    zytah Posts: 153
    If you can do it why not? For me tho, since I lacked some strength I went light to get my form down and then worked up to heavier weights.
  • AJ_G
    AJ_G Posts: 4,158 Member
    Upper body and lower body is kind of vague. What lifts? Squats, leg press, bench press, shoulder press, rows??
  • bigred503
    bigred503 Posts: 98
    squats 85 lbs calf raises and leg press 85... chest fly, bicep curl, shoulder press etc 40 lbs... one exercise for each muscle group since im beginner.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    machine numbers (or bowflex) don't directly correspond to free weight numbers so i wouldn't trust them as absolutes
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    keep at it. eventually you can graduate to free weights and start lifting heavy
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    keep at it. eventually you can graduate to free weights and start lifting heavy

    Yes, just be careful when you make the transition to real weights, the machines don't translate well (as Dave mentioned) and you will have to start with much lower weights.
  • zophiel67
    zophiel67 Posts: 181
    As the PPs said, ***much*** lower weights. The problem with any machine is twofold. One, the weights don't correspond well at all. Two, they don't teach you form. You can arch your back, twist your wrists, and do all kinds of contortionist moves just to say you "lifted the weight" but you're hurting yourself more than anything. If you plan to use the Bowflex all the way, then start wherever you can. If you plan to transition to free weights, start a little lower and really really focus on form.

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