Question about hand weights

Greenkat57
Greenkat57 Posts: 24 Member
edited November 20 in Fitness and Exercise
For the body builders out there....

I am a 300 lb woman in her late 50's. Have lost over 50 lbs to date between lifestyle changes & exercise...mostly walking & now swimming.

I have been doing 3.5 lb hand weights for 3 mos on alternate days the past 3 months...in & out of pool. I feel like I need to be increasing the weights, but not sure...

What would you suggest? My long term goal is bodybuilding (don't laugh!) after I get this weight off, but for now I would be satisfied w/more strength & whatever toning I can achieve at my age.

Overall, I just want to continue to challenge myself b/c this feels SO good!

Thanks for any feedback!

Kathy

Replies

  • kbreohna
    kbreohna Posts: 2 Member
    Not a body builder here, I just would like to make the comment that it's great youre aspiring to be a body builder yourself! And anyone that laughs or thinks that's a joke, you just laugh right on back at them for being so ignorant. Keep doing what feels good and you'll be there in no time!
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    edited July 2015
    Congrats on the weight loss!

    Are you looking for a workout plan or a recommendation as to which weights to purchase?

    This is one full body dumbbell plan. Don't worry about the fact that it is called a bulking routine. In general, eating in a deficit makes building muscle difficult. However, people who are new to lifting and who are overweight can/will build some muscle.

    If you are specifically asking for what kind of weights to purchase, I really like dumbbell handles and plates like these rather than individual pairs of dumbbells or powerblocks. I think they are more useful and budget friendly. The downside is that you would not be able to use them in the water.
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    I'll suggest an alternative, since you're still at light weights and they are cheap (generally you pay by the pound), get a pair of 5 lb dumbbells and use them until you train past them. I wouldn't invest in a set until you're using @10 pounds or so and still moving up.
  • AsISmile
    AsISmile Posts: 1,004 Member
    edited July 2015
    If you feel you should progress to heavier weight, you are most likely ready for heavier weights.
    I'm pretty surprised no one recommended stronglift 5x5, new rules of lifting for women or any other programs yet. It is not to soon to start lifting heavy, although you'll most likely need a gym for that.
    If for now you want to continue on the path you are already on I would suggest investing in some heavier weights.

    Moral of the story: if your current weights are getting too easy it would be a shame not to lift something heavier.
  • Valtishia
    Valtishia Posts: 811 Member
    The goal is to keep gaining strength. That will only happen if you lift heavier and heavier weights. So, go for it!! Grab some 5's and keep going up as you feel comfortable.

    And for real!! That is a fantabulous goal to have at any age. Many of the people in the gym are over 60 and while they may not be body builders, they are building some crazy muscle.
  • rileyes
    rileyes Posts: 1,406 Member
    You lost 50lbs! Increase your dumbbell weight! Keep it challenging. Try two 8-pounders this month.
  • rileyes
    rileyes Posts: 1,406 Member
    AsISmile wrote: »
    If you feel you should progress to heavier weight, you are most likely ready for heavier weights.
    I'm pretty surprised no one recommended stronglift 5x5, new rules of lifting for women or any other programs yet. It is not to soon to start lifting heavy, although you'll most likely need a gym for that.
    If for now you want to continue on the path you are already on I would suggest investing in some heavier weights.

    Moral of the story: if your current weights are getting too easy it would be a shame not to lift something heavier.

    ^^^!!! And a program like Strong Lifts 5x5 would be great for your goal.
  • kami3006
    kami3006 Posts: 4,979 Member
    rileyes wrote: »
    AsISmile wrote: »
    If you feel you should progress to heavier weight, you are most likely ready for heavier weights.
    I'm pretty surprised no one recommended stronglift 5x5, new rules of lifting for women or any other programs yet. It is not to soon to start lifting heavy, although you'll most likely need a gym for that.
    If for now you want to continue on the path you are already on I would suggest investing in some heavier weights.

    Moral of the story: if your current weights are getting too easy it would be a shame not to lift something heavier.

    ^^^!!! And a program like Strong Lifts 5x5 would be great for your goal.

    ^^^I did strong lifts and I support this message!
  • angelexperiment
    angelexperiment Posts: 1,917 Member
    If your last 3 reps are not tough then move up a weight. If you can't afford new ones do more reps. At least that's what tony horton says. :p I had to move to 8s cause 5 got too easy. Sometimes different exercises call for different weights for the individual though. Im new to this as well. Im doing p90x and a pool class with water dumbbells and it can be tough:)
  • Greenkat57
    Greenkat57 Posts: 24 Member
    WOW! Thanks for all your responses! PI know ppl *kitten* on here a lot about stuff, but I have always gotten such helpful responses from I guess the nicest folks on the board! I especially appreciate the compliments & encouragement in addition to the information! Thank you ALL so much!
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