3 lb weights

juliacxe
juliacxe Posts: 4
in Health and Weight Loss
i checked around on the forum about these and the general consensus seems to be that they're pretty pointless. i am extremely weak in the upper body (partially because my neck and shoulders have arthritis so i don't lift things if i can avoid it). i am also extremely weak in the lower body due to years of being lazy. i found a few simple exercises that i can do (bicep curls, overhead tricep extension, shoulder rotation and front raises) that are supposed to help. i have also been doing leg lifts and crunches.

am i wasting my time? as i get stronger id like to move up to heavier weights but for now im just doing as many reps as i can handle. im worried about injuring myself if i start out with heavier weights, but i also dont want to waste my time on something that is pointless.....

any opinions?

Replies

  • herblackwings39
    herblackwings39 Posts: 3,930 Member
    I don't think there's anything wrong with starting slowly and knowing your limitations. Work with 3 lb weights till you feel comfortable then move up slowly when you're able. Doing something is generally better than nothing at all.
  • SarahSmilesCA
    SarahSmilesCA Posts: 261 Member
    If this is all you can start with then do what you can do. I have a friend with a neck injury and this is all she can do.

    With that being said, I think I would buy something that you can increase weight. Because you do need to work UP so you can build strength. But do it safely.

    I would encourage you to do one exercise that might help you even more than the weights at this time. Swimming. It will help your arthritis and enable you to build strength gradually without too much tension on your body.

    I have arthritis and knee and shoulder injuries...swimming has given me back my strength so now that I can Spin and Lift...it is really a miracle exercise.
  • juliacxe
    juliacxe Posts: 4
    If this is all you can start with then do what you can do. I have a friend with a neck injury and this is all she can do.

    With that being said, I think I would buy something that you can increase weight. Because you do need to work UP so you can build strength. But do it safely.

    I would encourage you to do one exercise that might help you even more than the weights at this time. Swimming. It will help your arthritis and enable you to build strength gradually without too much tension on your body.

    I have arthritis and knee and shoulder injuries...swimming has given me back my strength so now that I can Spin and Lift...it is really a miracle exercise.

    how long does it typically take before you can handle more weight? which weight should i move up to next?

    can you tell me more about your swimming? do you do laps? any specific stroke?

    thanks!
  • SabrinaJL
    SabrinaJL Posts: 1,579 Member
    <
    Started out using 3 lb weights while doing Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred. I moved up to 5s, 8s and 10s once I felt the previous weight was no longer a challenge. After about a year doing mostly Jillian DVDs and running, I started heavy lifting. Do what you can, when you can.
  • SarahSmilesCA
    SarahSmilesCA Posts: 261 Member
    Yep I swim laps, but at first I started with Water Aerobics and used the pool weights for added resistance. I still do that when I am really tired and can't make all my laps. The water exercises really help increase range of motion and mobility. This in the long run will enable you to move better on land and add weights...just take your time. Listen to your body.

    I started with just 10 laps, now I do about 35-45 laps (25 meters). I try to get it done in 60 minutes, but speed is not important to me because I Spin for my intensity cardio. I swim mainly for enjoyment and strength building and it burns calories. I do free-stroke, breast-stroke, side-stroke and back stroke, about 10 laps of each. I bought a kick board, some flippers (zoomers), a leg buoy and hand paddles to help build technique and resistance. Goggles and a cap are pretty helpful too.
  • SarahSmilesCA
    SarahSmilesCA Posts: 261 Member
    <
    Started out using 3 lb weights while doing Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred. I moved up to 5s, 8s and 10s once I felt the previous weight was no longer a challenge. After about a year doing mostly Jillian DVDs and running, I started heavy lifting. Do what you can, when you can.

    YEP THIS...listen to your body
  • kmash32
    kmash32 Posts: 275 Member
    Yep I swim laps, but at first I started with Water Aerobics and used the pool weights for added resistance. I still do that when I am really tired and can't make all my laps. The water exercises really help increase range of motion and mobility. This in the long run will enable you to move better on land and add weights...just take your time. Listen to your body.

    I started with just 10 laps, now I do about 35-45 laps (25 meters). I try to get it done in 60 minutes, but speed is not important to me because I Spin for my intensity cardio. I swim mainly for enjoyment and strength building and it burns calories. I do free-stroke, breast-stroke, side-stroke and back stroke, about 10 laps of each. I bought a kick board, some flippers (zoomers), a leg buoy and hand paddles to help build technique and resistance. Goggles and a cap are pretty helpful too.

    I completely agree with this. I try to do water aerobics 2 or 3 times a week, it is so much easier on your joints. I am one of the younger people in the classes, most of the people suffer from arthritis and find it very difficult to do regular workouts but love doing the water workout. I usually stick around after class and do 10-15 laps (olympic size pool) I couldn't do this at first but have built up my stamina.
  • juliacxe
    juliacxe Posts: 4
    thanks everyone! i guess ill just plug along with these until i feel like i need more weight.

    also going to check out some swim activities. thanks!

Categories