Anyone else shocked by how weak they are/were?

_lyndseybrooke_
_lyndseybrooke_ Posts: 2,561 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I just started lifting heavy (for me) using free weights in compound exercises instead of isolated moves on machines. I was utterly shocked by how weak I am. I was only able to do 40 lbs on the overhead press with the barbell, only 45 lbs on weighted squats (though, I think the problem was that I was trying to do a deep sumo squat instead of a standard squat, which I'll be correcting this week), and only 20 lbs in each hand with DB chest presses. I honestly thought I'd be able to lift more than that - how embarrassing!

I know I'll improve as long as I keep at it, so I'm not necessarily looking for words of encouragement or a pep talk, I'm just wondering if you've ever been shocked at how weak you are (either now or when you first started working out)? Tell me about it!

Replies

  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    45 on the bar?

    so 90 starting squat?
    That's just fine.

    it's new and different- no need to be ashamed- everyone - including Mr Olympia- started with the bar.
  • needtolost15plshalp
    needtolost15plshalp Posts: 3
    I felt the exact same way... although you don't sound awful for being completely new to lifting. :-P When I first started, I could only OHP 30lbs and benching the bar was a struggle for me. I lifted for 2 months and then didn't do it for this past year, but am getting started again. So I'm *still* not super strong lol.
  • TR0berts
    TR0berts Posts: 7,739 Member
    As a newb to lifting, I'd say you're right where you should be.
  • madhatter2013
    madhatter2013 Posts: 1,547 Member
    :laugh: Yeah me too. After 3 weeks I am up to 80 lbs on the barbell row and bench press, 115 on my deadlifts, only 50 (barely) on my overhead press (the bar is 45), and 55 on my squats.
  • dixiewhiskey
    dixiewhiskey Posts: 3,333 Member
    Honestly, the fact that you are there outweighs everything else. I know it's hard though.. While I don't see a lot of ladies in the lifting room, I know out there that someone is stronger and doing better than me. I just have to tell myself that I am me and I will do the best that I can do lol :smile:
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    For what it's worth- I've been lifting for years- I can lift my body weight in more in all lifts- and I still feel weak.

    there is always more weight to add to the bar!
  • dixiewhiskey
    dixiewhiskey Posts: 3,333 Member
    Goes to show how we can never be satisfied. That can be a good thing or a bad thing.
  • Fullsterkur_woman
    Fullsterkur_woman Posts: 2,712 Member
    For what it's worth- I've been lifting for years- I can lift my body weight in more in all lifts- and I still feel weak.

    there is always more weight to add to the bar!
    PIYbhyf.jpg
  • _lyndseybrooke_
    _lyndseybrooke_ Posts: 2,561 Member
    45 on the bar?

    so 90 starting squat?
    That's just fine.

    it's new and different- no need to be ashamed- everyone - including Mr Olympia- started with the bar.

    No, no, no. Haha, I'd be excited about squatting 90. I had 30 on a 15 lb bar (the assisted squat machine, as I have no spotter), so a TOTAL of 45 lbs. Yikes! Like I said, though, I think I was trying to go way too low into a deep sumo squat. Next time I'm going to only go until my thighs are parallel with the floor and see if I can use more weight.

    My shoulders, back, and chest were SO sore this weekend, but my lower body not so much. I'm upping my deadlift weight for sure this week - I was attempting to kill two birds with one stone by combining my overhead press and my deadlift, so only used 40 lbs; I can definitely do more. That, in addition to fixing my squat form, will hopefully give me that satisfying soreness for the next day or two.

    Speaking of deadlifts - I've watched so many videos instructing proper form on the deadlift, but I've never really "felt" it working the muscles it should be working. I find getting the glute squeeze at the top pretty difficult for some reason. I feel the stretch in my hamstrings, but that's about it. Is that normal or should I really feel them?
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    you'll be fine- anyone just starting starts with the bar (45 lbs) or a broomstick or pvc pipe or what ever they can do.

    just keep going.

    I'd suggest you get out of the smith machine- go squat in the rack- it should have safety rails- use them- that is why they are there ;)

    I never lift with a spotter. I've only been pinned under a weight once- and it was totally manageable till some assmonkey came over and tired to "help" by lifting up just one side.

    you're good- you are doing things- and that's better than doing NO things :D
  • vjohn04
    vjohn04 Posts: 2,276 Member
    Rome wasn't built in a day. As long as you're progressing in reps or weight, you're being successful.

    Keep it up!
  • heavenridge
    heavenridge Posts: 13 Member
    It's good that you're interested in progression. A lot of ladies are afraid of bulking too much...which won't ever happen. Well done.

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