Why should I lift weights? Pics

hottottie11

Dropping kicking weight lifting myths one thread at a time

Great work!

1WorkoutAtATime

very impressive..

luv_lea

Getting ready to start lifting and needed this!! Thanks!

JennC831

You look AWESOME!!!!

ilovedeadlifts

great thread.

Espressocycle

I have a bowflex upstairs that I refuse to use. I hate lifting because i have to think about it. With cardio, I can let my mind wander or watch tv and forget I'm exercising. How can I get over that?

NakedLunchTime

you should post a picture of you squatting to show them what you mean by "heavy" for some people a 50lb curling bar is heavy :P

Well it might be for people who have just started lifting and don't have much upper body strenght. I would love to be able to do what the OP does , but little by little is the way to go and 50 lbs may be heavy for some people and THAT'S OK!

Danahimself

Fabulous example of why we should strength train! I am motivated more than ever now. Congratulations on your hard work, and thank you for sharing!

Thank you!

CaptainGordo

I hate lifting because i have to think about it. With cardio, I can let my mind wander or watch tv and forget I'm exercising. How can I get over that?

I'm guilty of this too. I'm thinking that what I've lacked is a structured program, with goals and tracking of progress.

BADGIRLstl

I am lifting....my Sweetie have me going hard...I am doing it...but I was scared I would bulk....thanks for sharing this with me....THIS POST IS REALLY FOR ME!!!!



Pssst...I am nowhere near where you are though.... YOU ARE ROCKING IT....HOLY ish!

SergeantSunshine_reused

I hate lifting because i have to think about it. With cardio, I can let my mind wander or watch tv and forget I'm exercising. How can I get over that?

I'm guilty of this too. I'm thinking that what I've lacked is a structured program, with goals and tracking of progress.

Once you get in the groove of it I think lifting just becomes more natural.
You are right tho Elexgordo, as soon as you get a good program set up where you know exactly what you are doing and start seeing progress you will love to do it even more. I make graphs of strength gains and progress, more motivation!

LisaD1025

Hey!! Great job on your successes! You look great!! Thank you for the inspiration -- I've been doing strictly cardio to get me "started" on my weight loss, but I am going to start weights again tonight. I want arms like yours!!

I also had to compliment you on your Cyclone shirt -- I'm a Cyclone as well!!

Go State!!

Lisa

SergeantSunshine_reused

Good work. You look great.

Although I am sure the OP is aware of this for the sake of balance I think it should be made clear that "heavy" is a relative term.

In essence the resistance you impose on your muscles (load) must be sufficiently greater than it is accustomed to (overload) forcing it to adapt and grow (hypertrophy). Once it has completed that process if you wish the muscle to grow more or become stronger then you must increase the resistance it has been placed under (progressive overload).

For some people even the bar alone or with minimal weight will be enough to constitute "heavy". It's not about a fixed number. Hell, for some obese people walking is enough to trigger muscular hypertrophy.

Progressive overload doesn't just have to be about weight on the bar (though it is my preferred option). It can be about increased sets, frequency, reps, intensity, decreased rest time (supersetting for example) and so on.

Quoting for awesome detailed information ^^
Everyone is at different levels of strength. Do what is heavy for you! Endless reps with little weight is not the way to go, but is commonly what women are told to do. And many users I see want to focus on cardio only now, then "tone" at their goal weight.

To those who use the word "tone" When you get to your goal weight and still seem flabbier then you would like and want to tone... well you have to lose more fat to get that defined tone look. If you lift now you will spare more LBM making toning a lot easier. Skinny fat takes a lot of work to undo and is not a fast process. Save yourself the time

Jeff92se

Look at those quads!

syiyi

Thank you!!! I was waiting to lose the fat & then weight lift but I'm going to start it.. lol!!! thanks!! btw you look GREAT!

RahBuhBuh

Great toning in the before and after. Personally, I prefer weights over cardio any day. But, unfortunately, the donuts dictate that you do cardio.

@Jenn who asked about finding a routine. I have two relatively inexpensive suggestions.

1. The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding
(http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0684857219/ref=dp_olp_used/177-4211121-1479053?ie=UTF8&condition=used)

It helps you identify your body type and has weight routines built around that. It starts from beginner and goes to advanced. You can always modify the routine. You can find it on Amazon for about $15

2. Be nosy at the gym. If I see someone whose triceps look the way I want mine to, I watch to see what they do. If it doesn't seem too awkward or likely that they will throat punch me, I will go talk to them and ask them about their routine.

I have added enough mass and tone to my upper body that it has started getting attention from my peers. I must admit, that helps me stay motivated.

tangal88

The book New Rules For Lifting, as mentioned before is great to start out with.

Also Good Jamie Easons plan here (free)

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jamie-eason-livefit-trainer.html

Bodybuilding.com also has a number of good plans.

DixiedoesMFP

How long did it take you to get those results? I am using free weights and the machines upstairs at the gym, but I've been a little scared to head down into the weight room. Thanks! You look AMAZING!

SergeantSunshine_reused

How long did it take you to get those results? I am using free weights and the machines upstairs at the gym, but I've been a little scared to head down into the weight room. Thanks! You look AMAZING!

The pictures are about a year apart, but I was not consistent with diet (vacation for months and such) but the training was.

Iamfit4life

You make me want to work harder!

jenniet04

Great toning in the before and after. Personally, I prefer weights over cardio any day. But, unfortunately, the donuts dictate that you do cardio.

@Jenn who asked about finding a routine. I have two relatively inexpensive suggestions.

1. The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding
(http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0684857219/ref=dp_olp_used/177-4211121-1479053?ie=UTF8&condition=used)

It helps you identify your body type and has weight routines built around that. It starts from beginner and goes to advanced. You can always modify the routine. You can find it on Amazon for about $15

2. Be nosy at the gym. If I see someone whose triceps look the way I want mine to, I watch to see what they do. If it doesn't seem too awkward or likely that they will throat punch me, I will go talk to them and ask them about their routine.

I have added enough mass and tone to my upper body that it has started getting attention from my peers. I must admit, that helps me stay motivated.

Thanks!! I don't currently belong to a gym, but we have a small one at work with hand weights and machines.

jenniet04

The book New Rules For Lifting, as mentioned before is great to start out with.

Also Good Jamie Easons plan here (free)

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jamie-eason-livefit-trainer.html

Bodybuilding.com also has a number of good plans.

Thanks - I actually just found those when I was doing some searching. They look like good workouts.

Drunkadelic

Our little ray of sunshine

You're so awesome!

Jeff92se

You're going to get WAY bulky. :blushing:

taso42

Love this! You're an inspiration Sunshine_88!

Secret_Agent_007

Love the pic of you lifting. Awesome!

deninevi

Great post, Sunshine, and awesome results! Keep it up , girl!

MassiveDelta

I hate lifting because i have to think about it. With cardio, I can let my mind wander or watch tv and forget I'm exercising. How can I get over that?

I'm guilty of this too. I'm thinking that what I've lacked is a structured program, with goals and tracking of progress.

I must find a way to make this part of my routine. NEED Help!

JennLifts

OK - so I have a question for you. I'm not afraid of lifting weights - did a ton in high school, but where do you get your program? In high school, the teacher had a program that we followed. Do you have a personal trainer, make your own, or what??

I have my own :] Personal trainers are expensive and with a little research it can all be found on the internet :]

Thanks, I'll have to go searching.

If you're new to lifting, I would suggest googling and using someone elses program. Like madcow, phat, etc, so you get a feel for what routines need to include

BananaBee3

bump...gonna check out those websites! Thanks for the info and motivation EVERYONE!