Muscle gain

Norjope

I'm 52. I want to keep lifting weights to build strength and some muscle mass. I'm not a bodybuilder. I have a lot of belly flab and love handles. I've been going to the gym for 2 months now. But it seems impossible for me to do a bench press properly. I can't do the flat bench press with the 45 lb. weight plates more than 3 times. But when I do the seated chest press I can push over 100 lbs. easily! I can do 20 pushups without stopping. But I would like to increase reps. Basically, I want to look toned and bulky. I try to eat things in moderation, but it's hard to avoid desserts and such. Help.

wrbiii

benchpressing with a bar (standard) and plates is 135 pounds.

If you can get 3 with 135, try using 35s instead of 45s on the bar... or a 25 and a 10 on each side. You want to be able to do under 12 reps, until you can do more... then add more weight.

lilpoindexter

I turn 41 in a few weeks. I started about a year ago. I can't stand the barbell bench press. The motion feels really un-natural and hurts my elbows...they feel like they are tearing. i do Dumbell bench presses, which allow a more natural arm movement...according to some body builders they use more muscle fibers to give a better exercise...Not sure, but I am sure I don't like the barbell.
Pretty much the only exercise i like for a barbell is a reverse grip curl for the bicep...

Norjope

For safety reasons, I prefer to try and master the lever machine bench press. But I will try the dumbbells.

janten

Free weight benching helps with balance muscles. If you're only repping 3 times drop the weight to a comfortable range where you can do 8-10 reps.

Norjope

Hello. Well,after going to the gym in spurts since July 2012 I finally got that burning feeling in my chest when doing flat bench press on the lever machine! Woohoo! When I use the independent lever machine I use 25ib weights. I push both levers all the way up and hold the weights up, arms extended. While holding up one weight, I lower other arm down for about 3 reps,and then lift back up and lower the other arm. Now,what I feel is like a stretching burning sensation. Is that supposed to be good?

Norjope

Does anyone get hungry before the day they post on myfitnesspal? I did. Currently,I'm on a lean cut since January,2017. Down to about 11% bodyfat. Trying to get to 10% before bulking with minimal fat gain. I'm 57 but I really want to get to 10%. Anyways,today,well before the end of the day at 12 midnight,I felt like I was malnourished or something so I said the heck with it I eat now and put it in for tomorrow.