When you use the term "lifting"....

lilbearzmom

(stupid question alert)

when you use the term "lifting", what kind of exercises are you referring to? I do realize it is strength exercises, but I always picture those guys/girls in the Olympics lifting those 500 lb barbells when I hear the word. Is it pretty much any exercise using the free-weights? I have lost over 100 lbs without doing a whole lot of strength training, and with 40 + lbs to go, I need to start concentrating on firming up. The little bit of strength I have done I really liked it. I haven't done much of it lately, mainly because I feel clueless as to how to go about it, and I want to get away from the machines. Thanks for any responses, and please forgive my ignorance!
Edited to add: I have seen the amazing results a lot of you have had with lifting, and I want in on it!!!!

-Kendra

Iron_Lotus

I lift free weights.
Deadlifts, bench presses, squats, up right rows, etc...

pspetralia

I follow the stronglifts program....a free online weight lifting program. Unlike a lot of my MFP friends it took me a few weeks until I really started to enjoy it.

meshashesha2012

i consider lifting anything where i'm lifting a weight that at least 50% of my 1 rep max, regardless of the movement. anything less than that i dont consider lifting, even if a weight is involved because i'm probably not getting any benefits from it

Unknown

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jonnythan

Lifting = a sensible, well planned program of free weight whole body training focused on prpgression on compound lifts.

Strong lifts is a good example.

iulia_maddie

I got started by reading New rules of lifting for Women. If you're a complete beginner (like i was) I highly recommend it.

MisterDerpington

Most people who say "lifting" refer to free weights. Most of those are probably referring to compound barbell lifts (Squats, Bench Press, Overhead Press, Deadlifts, etc.)

mactaffy84

Can anyone recommend a good website that would show some of these lifting techniques and explain how to perform them? Thanks in advance!

MisterDerpington

Can anyone recommend a good website that would show some of these lifting techniques and explain how to perform them? Thanks in advance!

I always recommend the book Starting Strength. It's $30 for a hard copy, but I've used it so much. For some just quick videos:


Squat (probably the hardest to get from just one video):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kawBY5p29fQ

Overhead Press:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAXPJ3PfdyY

Bench Press:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQutODgl2J4

Deadlift:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX8jgCFXYTU

I would look at the related videos by Rippetoe of these lifts. You could also torrent the Starting Strength DVD which is good at showing form.

BarackMeLikeAHurricane

Things using DB's or BB's

GetSoda

Things using DB's or BB's

What about kbs, atlas stones, yokes, sandbags, rings, etc?

BarackMeLikeAHurricane

Things using DB's or BB's

What about kbs, atlas stones, yokes, sandbags, rings, etc?

I'd call it strength training. When I hear "lifting" I think BB and DB.

Angela_2_Oh

"Lifting" usually refers to free weights.

I'm doing New Rules currently. (NROLFW) There are many other beginner programs you can try, too!

Shr3dded

I pick things up and put them down.

Crankstr

Can anyone recommend a good website that would show some of these lifting techniques and explain how to perform them? Thanks in advance!

I always recommend the book Starting Strength. It's $30 for a hard copy, but I've used it so much. For some just quick videos:


Squat (probably the hardest to get from just one video):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kawBY5p29fQ

Overhead Press:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAXPJ3PfdyY

Bench Press:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQutODgl2J4

Deadlift:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX8jgCFXYTU

I would look at the related videos by Rippetoe of these lifts. You could also torrent the Starting Strength DVD which is good at showing form.

also
http://startingstrength.wikia.com/wiki/The_Starting_Strength_Novice/Beginner_Programs

Shr3dded

exrx.net (has every exercise you can think of, with images and explanations on proper form)

kuntry_navy

about everyone has said it. i think of squats, deadlifs, bench and military press

bluecrayonz

just curious...how much do barbells generally weigh?

MisterDerpington

just curious...how much do barbells generally weigh?

The run of the mill olympic barbell (2" diameter collars) are 45lb. There's lighter ones, but the norm in gyms are 45lb.

Achrya

Picking up heavy things and putting them back down. Today i did deadlifts, shoulder presses with squats and lunges with dumbbells. Also some lat pulldowns and crunches while holding weights. Good time was had; I'm full of energy and ready to go again. Never been so happy to spend time in a gym.

bluecrayonz

just curious...how much do barbells generally weigh?

The run of the mill olympic barbell (2" diameter collars) are 45lb. There's lighter ones, but the norm in gyms are 45lb.

thanks! I tried lifting 10 pounds on each side today and couldn't get the it up more than 3 times....I guess everyone starts somewhere

SinomenJen

bump for later

MisterDerpington

just curious...how much do barbells generally weigh?

The run of the mill olympic barbell (2" diameter collars) are 45lb. There's lighter ones, but the norm in gyms are 45lb.

thanks! I tried lifting 10 pounds on each side today and couldn't get the it up more than 3 times....I guess everyone starts somewhere

I was a 300lb guy who couldn't press the empty bar overhead at one point. You'll get there.