Women should NOT lift !!! You'll just get hurt!

Jxnsmma
Jxnsmma Posts: 919 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Ha! Kidding, I just wanted to get some real lifting ladies in here for advice. :wink: I just wanted to see what heavy lifting ladies think of the wrist straps etc for lifting. My problem is that my hands and forearms give out way before the rest of me does trying to lift heavy dumbbells when doing things like weighted step ups, lunges, deadlifts etc. I am limited mostly to free weights because I work out on my lunch hours at our free gym at work and have repetitive strain wrist issues that are really a p in the a when it comes to lifting. Would you guys try using a barbell on your shoulders instead (not for deadlifts... for the step ups and lunges) any other suggestions. Someone else told me to try using one barbell and hug it close to my body for deadlifts. I know the more I lift the stronger my hands etc will get but any real suggestions ( ie not stop lifting or, go lift some q-tips, or buy some shakeology) would be appreciated.

Thanks and have a great day!

Replies

  • FullOfWin
    FullOfWin Posts: 1,414 Member
    Use straps if you have to in order to lift the most you can. Train your grip strength directly.
  • elaine_des
    elaine_des Posts: 189 Member
    I don't beleive in strap and belt, that's just my opinion. they are like crutches, you should strenght your grip and soon enough you'll be able to lift more than what you would have done with the strap.
  • denezy
    denezy Posts: 573 Member
    Have you tried using weightlifting gloves? I find they helped with grip when I first started (I have sweaty hands) and helped build up strength so I don't need them anymore. Just a suggestion. :)
  • jfrankic
    jfrankic Posts: 747 Member
    Have you tried chalk? This will help your grip. Most gyms don't "allow" chalk. My gym doesn't mention this on the rules board, but I am discreet and courteous. I have a block of chalk in a ziplock bag and take it with me to the bar. I clean up any mess and wipe the bar/db so it's never been an issue. Agree that you also need to work on grip strength.

    To answer your question about barbell vs dumbbells, sure use the BB for lunges, etc. This will engage your core more and make the move more difficult. I never used the BB for step ups, I used 25# dumbbells and saw that as an opportunity to work on grip strength.

    I still have lots of improvement on grip strength though! Plan to start farmers carries since step ups aren't in my current program.

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