Lifting Heavy for Women - I think I'm a weed!!!!!!

Lanfear

LOL I like the "5 x bunch" that made me smile

For the responses here it seems like I'm deffo heading in the right direction for what I want to achieve (not being "skinny fat", basically!) so I will keep on as I am and carry on pushing on each workout.

Using the guidebook for Chalean is very useful as I can see over the 4 weeks of each phase what weights I have changed and which have stayed the same so it's useful to see that things are moving (mostly).

Thanks to everyone, that's one reason I think these boards are great, everyone is encouraging and usually has great advice/responses! :drinker:

melissaw1232

I think your doing fine. I just started lifting "heavy" myself and would agree that the term is relative. I started with 30lbs squats only 2 weeks ago and im already up to 70lbs. we are stronger than we realize especially in the lower body. So keep lifting and progressively adding weight each time. Good luck!

holleysings

You'll get there! Everyone has to start somewhere. My back muscles are as strong as most men's now and they sure as heck didn't start that way! Just keep at it and give yourself permission to try more weight than you can handle, because you might surprise yourself!

sbilyeu75

For me, lifting heavy is doing as much as I can possibly do for 6-8 reps. If I can do two sets of 8 then I move up to the next weight. I thought I was doing really awesome until I ran into this site http://www.exrx.net/Testing/WeightLifting/StrengthStandards.html but it did help me with my curiosity of comparing.

jenluvsushi

Heavy lifting is this for me....if I can lift the bar more than 12 times in a row with good form, it is too light. I tend to stay in the 6-8 rep zone but right now I'm doing a 5x5 program. Either way...if I can just keep going after my last set, I know it's too light. Towards the end of your sets, you should be getting close to failure. Here is a link you may find useful:

http://www.exrx.net/Testing/WeightLifting/StrengthStandards.html

jenluvsushi

For me, lifting heavy is doing as much as I can possibly do for 6-8 reps. If I can do two sets of 8 then I move up to the next weight. I thought I was doing really awesome until I ran into this site http://www.exrx.net/Testing/WeightLifting/StrengthStandards.html but it did help me with my curiosity of comparing.

Haha! I just posted the same link....great minds think alike

contingencyplan

The workout program you're doing isn't a program that has you doing "heavy lifting." ChaLEAN Extreme has you lifting using a very specific pace that allows you to get the benefit of using much lighter weights. Going at a normal pace you'd be lifting much more. But you won't see those kinds of gains without access to the equipment at a gym. You'd need a barbell and access to a squat rack.

natini

You are doing just fine. Keep it up. I did buy the New Rules of Lifting book and started the program about 8 weeks ago. Phase 1 is all about building your strength. I am deadlifting 95lbs now. Every time I go to the gym, I find it getting easier and I add on more weights. It has been very enjoyable. I used live and die by cardio.

sthrnchick

I have been lifting for a good 4 months...my strength has GREATLY improved. I can lift more than I weigh now....Give it time, make sure to rest in between training, and that you are eating enough good cals. I love to lift....makes me feel all bad *kitten*!

dlwyatt82

"Heavy" is relative to your own strength. As long as it's challenging for you to complete the last reps of your set(s), you're doing great. If you eat enough and allow yourself enough recovery time, you'll get stronger.

kiachu

Don't compare yourself to anyone else. We all had a starting point. Lift according to your version of heavy and keep yourself challenged. I'm assuming if you can hold a bag of groceries or your purse or a small child you can lift more than 2lbs dumbbells at least 5 times. .