What exactly does "heavy lifting" consist of?

MrsBailey149

This might seem like a silly question, but I wonder what people do who claim to "lift heavy". I see it mentioned on this site often and also followed by fantatic results.

When someone is doing heavy lifting, is it just doing repetitive reps (lift and lower, lift and lower). It seems horribly boring. I have intentions of starting to lift once all of my weight is off but I hope I can stick with it. I did 30 DS and saw great results. I ended up with mroe toned shoulders and arms and I love it. I'd like those same results over my whole body but is there a way to do it that isn't quite so repetive and boring.

Is P90X considered "heavy lifting"? I suppose it would depend on the weight size being used....

Any comments or suggestions woudl be appreciated

TiffMeinhardt

Hey Nicole,

I think heavy lifting is considered to be when you hit failure during a lower rep range, like 6 - 8 reps. I could be wrong though.

I think P90X is a great beginner program for someone who hasn't really trained with weights. That's what I started with nearly 3 years ago. I love the program. I had never been to the gym before, other than to do cardio, and had no idea how to put together a strength program. P90X is great for that and for those who do not want to go to the gym.

If your goal is to put on significant muscle mass, then I do not think P90X is what you would want to use. I am now working to gain mass, so I go for more sets and heavier weight - P90X doesn't really support that (just my opinion).

Tiff

MrsBailey149

Thanks!

I'm actually not looking to put on mass, just look more cut and toned. Ideally, I would be slim but with some definition, so perhaps heavy lifting isn't for me?

LorinaLynn

You'll only put on mass heavy lifting if you're in a calorie surplus or on steroids. Otherwise, it does exactly what you want it to do, and a lot more efficiently than low weights.

I'm finishing week 11 of Stronglifts 5x5 today. Bench press will be 95 pounds, row will be 105, and I'll be squatting 150 pounds. I'm eating at maintenance and don't look particularly muscular. I get some definition if I flex my arms or legs, but otherwise, I just look slim and fit.

As far as it being boring... it's not. Lifting something a dozens and dozens of times is boring. Lifting something really frickin' heavy 5 times, then resting and repeating four more times, is too challenging to be boring. My lifting routine takes between 30-45 minutes (depending on how long those rests are), and is only three times a week.

BarackMeLikeAHurricane

Bench, OHP, squats, dead lifts, etc.
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This is the result of shrugs and dead lifts

MrsBailey149

Thanks for the responses, this was exactly what I was looking for. I think I will eventually incorporate that into my workout plan.