Question for Weight Lifters

is it my technique? I'm still mostly using machines, by the way.

Thanks for the answer! Because I'm still low calorie my endurance is not what it should be for doing free weights. I better just stop trying to add more to the machines until I go maintenance then.

Well I'm low carb as well as low calorie, oddly I find I can jog okay and pretty much walk until I'm bored silly and done with it for that reason and never have issues, but weights fatigue me. When I go maintenance I might try playing with those numbers a bit to find something that lets me work out harder without bringing back the horrible cravings.

is it my technique? I'm still mostly using machines, by the way.

Probably about half and half on both of these being your problem.

Machines should be used for accessory work, if at all. If you aren't using compound lifts to teach your muscles how to work together, you are likely focusing far more stress on your joints than is a good idea. For example, look at the leg extension: look at the position that it puts your knee in. Does that look like it would be a good idea to run a heavy weight with? Not so much.

Also, tendons and ligaments can take longer to strengthen than muscles. It sucks, but that's just how it works.

Hm, I guess I shouldn't have assumed I needed to be sore. I just looked it up, and I've been living a lie! I do want a full range of motion, though and the least possible amount of joint strain.

Looking up studies on Cissus and other joint powders and potions now. If independent studies show results for any of it, I might add that, any help I can get is a good thing, especially for my spine.

So maybe I should go out and buy some cheaper fish oil capsules and flax capsules so I can increase the dosage. I'll research that, too.

Thanks everyone for your help so far!

Hm, I guess I shouldn't have assumed I needed to be sore. I just looked it up, and I've been living a lie! I do want a full range of motion, though and the least possible amount of joint strain.

Looking up studies on Cissus and other joint powders and potions now. If independent studies show results for any of it, I might add that, any help I can get is a good thing, especially for my spine.

So maybe I should go out and buy some cheaper fish oil capsules and flax capsules so I can increase the dosage. I'll research that, too.

Thanks everyone for your help so far!

Fish oil is good, I also take glucosamine for joint health. Try doing mobility exercises and perhaps think about using a foam roller....theyre great for working out niggles.

Foam Rollers are AWESOME.. I refused to use them for the longest time because I didn't want to look silly.. man I was missing out...

I'm a big free weight fan. Machines are great for some workouts, but how can you be lifting without enjoying squats and deadlifts with free weights!!

Thanks for the answer! Because I'm still low calorie my endurance is not what it should be for doing free weights. I better just stop trying to add more to the machines until I go maintenance then.

I wouldn't quite go that far. It's really an individual thing, but I have been increasing my weight and/or reps at every single workout since I started lifting, and up until a few days ago, I was in a 900 calorie daily deficit for that entire time (five months).

ETA: about weaning from the machines, yeah, definitely. They serve an excellent purpose as I mentioned, as accessories. Anyone who bases their entire strength regimen around them is setting themselves up for disappointment, imo.

Well I'm low carb as well as low calorie, oddly I find I can jog okay and pretty much walk until I'm bored silly and done with it for that reason and never have issues, but weights fatigue me. When I go maintenance I might try playing with those numbers a bit to find something that lets me work out harder without bringing back the horrible cravings.

When you have a very low calorie diet, your body will use muscle for energy. That's why very low calorie diets are NOT recommended for building muscle. Not only will you not build muscle, you will start using what muscle you do have for energy. You are shooting yourself in the foot with a low calorie diet.

Thanks for the answer! Because I'm still low calorie my endurance is not what it should be for doing free weights. I better just stop trying to add more to the machines until I go maintenance then.

I wouldn't quite go that far. It's really an individual thing, but I have been increasing my weight and/or reps at every single workout since I started lifting, and up until a few days ago, I was in a 900 calorie daily deficit for that entire time (five months).

ETA: about weaning from the machines, yeah, definitely. They serve an excellent purpose as I mentioned, as accessories. Anyone who bases their entire strength regimen around them is setting themselves up for disappointment, imo.

Well I'm low carb as well as low calorie, oddly I find I can jog okay and pretty much walk until I'm bored silly and done with it for that reason and never have issues, but weights fatigue me. When I go maintenance I might try playing with those numbers a bit to find something that lets me work out harder without bringing back the horrible cravings.

When you have a very low calorie diet, your body will use muscle for energy. That's why very low calorie diets are NOT recommended for building muscle. Not only will you not build muscle, you will start using what muscle you do have for energy. You are shooting yourself in the foot with a low calorie diet.

This isn't 100% true. BCAA and high protein can greatly help in this manner. You most likely aren't going to build any muscle unless you are a freak of nature, but you can stop Muscle catabolism with BCAA's and high levels of protein.

(http://www.mindandmuscle.net/articles/bcaas-are-anti-catabolic-study-shows/)

Thanks for the answer! Because I'm still low calorie my endurance is not what it should be for doing free weights. I better just stop trying to add more to the machines until I go maintenance then.

I wouldn't quite go that far. It's really an individual thing, but I have been increasing my weight and/or reps at every single workout since I started lifting, and up until a few days ago, I was in a 900 calorie daily deficit for that entire time (five months).

ETA: about weaning from the machines, yeah, definitely. They serve an excellent purpose as I mentioned, as accessories. Anyone who bases their entire strength regimen around them is setting themselves up for disappointment, imo.

Well I'm low carb as well as low calorie, oddly I find I can jog okay and pretty much walk until I'm bored silly and done with it for that reason and never have issues, but weights fatigue me. When I go maintenance I might try playing with those numbers a bit to find something that lets me work out harder without bringing back the horrible cravings.

When you have a very low calorie diet, your body will use muscle for energy. That's why very low calorie diets are NOT recommended for building muscle. Not only will you not build muscle, you will start using what muscle you do have for energy. You are shooting yourself in the foot with a low calorie diet.

This isn't 100% true. BCAA and high protein can greatly help in this manner. You most likely aren't going to build any muscle unless you are a freak of nature, but you can stop Muscle catabolism with BCAA's and high levels of protein.

(http://www.mindandmuscle.net/articles/bcaas-are-anti-catabolic-study-shows/)

You just proved my point with your own post. The reason you're suggesting taking the BCAA's is to limit the catabolism of muscle that is going to occur from the low calorie diet.