TO ALL WOMAN!!!!! PLZ READ!!! Y U SHOULD LIFT!!!

You are not going to get real results by lifting 8 lbs. Think of all the things you lift in a day's time that weigh 5 to 10 lbs. If you could get lean from that, you'd already be lean. If you get some kind of kick out of lifting tiny weights a bazillion times, then knock yourself out. But it's pointless for getting lean. I find that people who lose weight while lifting small weights are also doing a lot of cardio, and that is where the weight loss is coming from. If your goal is not just to lose weight but to CHANGE YOUR BODY COMPOSITION, you have to lift, and you have to lift really heavy things.

For best results, lift very heavy weights in big movements that utilize mutliple muscle groups, like deadlifts, squats, rows, get-ups, etc. I also work out with kettlebells. Swings, high pulls, and snatches are great for fat loss because they're quick, explosive movements (with power generated from the hips) using a heavy weight.

But keep in mind that form is absolutely critical with any kind of heavy weight lifting. Bad form is not only less effective than work done with good form, but it also makes you far more susceptible to injury. It is better to do 1 or 2 reps with perfect form than 10 reps with crappy form. In the beginning, do a few reps of each exercise with the best form you can muster. When you've mastered form, you can add more reps and sets. So patience is key.

Rest is also very important. Your muscles gain strength during the repair and recovery process, not while you're actually working out. So if you don't get proper rest, you will be hindering your progress.

Finally, if it seems easy, you're doing it wrong. If you're lifting with the proper intensity, you will be wiped out at the end of a workout. If you aren't, then think about what you could be doing wrong, e.g. not lifting with enough weight, taking too much rest between sets, etc.

Well have fun with the barbie weights LOL People want results for the time they put in. They best way to have the bang for your buck it is to lift heavy. Why waste you time doing something that is not efficient?

yanicka - I don't consider it wasted time, and how I choose to spend my time isn't really anyone else's concern. I'm patient. I don't need immediate results.

if you can have results you want in 1 month instead of 6 without any negative impact, why would you not go for it? I am not being snarky, I just do not get it.

yanicka, Balance is very important to me, in both physical and mental health. I'm very fortunate in that I enjoy good physical health and participate in many activities such as yoga, sailing, dancing, gardening, bike riding and so on, so a weight lifting practice needs to add to my lifestyle. Most importantly, it needs to complement my yoga practice. The sense of joy and peace of mind I gain from my personal yoga practice and helping others as a yoga therapist is my top priority. I am doing something I whole-heartedly believe in and love.

The negative impact? Well, my flexibility suffers, but I can work around that. It's more about the stress I put on my body. My body works hard for me, so I like to ensure it gets a lot of rest and recovery. Rejuvenation and all that.

Like I said, I'm patient. I'm slowly working in some weights - yes, 8 pound dumbbells. I also do many arm balances and powerful positions in yoga daily that use my entire bodyweight. I don't do well on a very regimented approach to diet and fitness, I'd rather relax, enjoy the process, and let it happen.

I lift when I can afford a gym membership. My 3 lb hand weights just don't cut it but are great for aerobic videos that require them and well 30 Day Shred too, haven't done that one in a while though due to health issues that are finally getting solved some.


When I lift at the gym I lift a lot bigger than 3 lbs. LOL I should arrange to go with my mom to her apartments' gym a few mornings a week but that would eat through my gas allowance.

Ladies you will not look like this if you lift

http://juliemichaelson.com/assets/blog/hot_weird_funny_amazing_cool8_a-women-bodybuilder-trainwreck-16_2009073023323611542.jpg

lol

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For those who are looking for a program to follow, "The Firm" has some awesome videos. They combine weights and aerobics in the same video, so you get the best of both worlds. I have 3, 5, & 10lb dumbells. If I want 8lbs, I hold the 5 & 3 at the same time. They are great for beginner to intermediate excercisers. They do have a few dvds that are more for advanced excercisers which I love too. You can get their dvds at Wal-mart, Target, Amazon, etc. for like $9 ea.

That is not lifting heavy. I use nothing less then 25 pounds dumbbells.

Hey good for you for being that strong already but for some of us it takes starting much lower. Your comment seemed very rude like you were soooo much better than everyone. Think before you post.

I am sorry that you feel this way. Really, you are stronger then you think. If you want to lose inches, tone up, boost your metabolism and see results, it is important to challenge your muscles with low rep, high weights lifting.

Yes I know this and I don't just lift 3 pounds but started with 5 and 8 for some exercises and now up to 10-15 with slow reps concentrating on form. I'm saying most people can't just jump in to 25. I will get there, hopefully soon but don't make it seem like people are weak if they aren't using 25 lb dumbbells yet.

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The reason I do cardio over strength training is because the cardio is easy, walk... bike... etc, not much thought and planning there. I don't understand the strength stuff and trying to research it all online was just too overwhelming for me. I'm fairly sure that I would be able to borrow a barbell and dumbbells that go up to 25 lbs or so (I think), but I really wouldn't know where to start with them.

I'm not good at following workout videos, I get bored too easily.

i love lifting! i look smaller than i am and have noticed a huge difference in toning my arms and legs! *like* lol

Posts that assume that because something has worked for them everyone should do it the same way drive me crazy.

I've been thinking the same thing when reading all these replies. Some people can get the same results with 5 - 10 lbs weights as others get with 25 lb weights. And some will get results that others can never get no matter how heavy or long they lift. When it comes to body composition we are not all created equal.