At A standstill? I have the Secret: LIFT HEAVY, GIRLS! (Pic)

Chrissysftns · May 2013

what do you consider a heavy weight?? I started with 5's, I'm on 15 pound dumbbells right now and going to be doing 17.5 pounds next week??

What you consider a heavy weight really just varies from person to person. A heavy weight for shoulder presses to me is 25lbs...but bicep curls I use 17.5-20..it all just depends

I make it heavy enough to where I fail by the 10 rep though!

Chrissysftns · May 2013

AWESOME! I am over 40 and started heavy lifting two weeks ago. I have a solid fitness base but want to really push to see how much I can polish up these old bones. Can't wait to see my progress after six weeks.

Someone in this thread was asking about how to define "heavy lifting." My trainer has me lifting heavy enough that I can't perform more that 8-12 reps. Then, he will add more weight until I am still able to maintain proper form but can't perform more than about 6-8 reps.... Then he lightens it to the previous weight and I go again. [This varies by exercise, but this is the general idea.] When you challenge your muscles to exhaustion, you add muscle and build strength rather than simply toning the muscle you have. More muscle means a faster burning metabolism.

Women start to lose muscle mass after the age of 30 and really start to experience muscle loss in their 40's. Heavy lifting can increase muscle mass even in older women. Plus, who doesn't want to be strong?!

This^^ and Keep up the good work!

RomanaW · May 2013

Awesome and very inspirational!

_Moose51_ · May 2013

That's terrific! Keep up your good work.

ErnieVandy · May 2013

Do you have the program to share? I need to start lifting myself since I'm 43. I have been running and doing Turbo Fire. I can tell I'm toning up but still the same weight. I would like to add a lifting program to my cardio. Thanks. You look amazing!