Thread for All Women who LIFT

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Replies

  • LifeChangingExp
    LifeChangingExp Posts: 454 Member
    bump.. awesome!
  • MinMin97
    MinMin97 Posts: 2,674 Member
    I have been lifting since March and I LOVE IT. I lift 3 days a week. I started out w/ 20lbs, 10 on each side and now I'm up to 80lbs. I have lost body fat and gained muscle. I'm now cutting body fat, so I have dropped my weight and increased my reps, I work 2 muscle groups per day, 3 times a week.

    How long did it take you to move up weight? I'm worried about moving up too quickly. I've never lifted before this past month so I'm worried about form even though I'm not too sure what form actually is... I'm doing Jamie Eason's Live Fit Trainer and I love it! I'm just not sure how heavy I'm "supposed' to be lifting. Especially for arms. I started out using 8-10 lbs dumbbells last month and now I'm using 15-20 lb. depending on what exercise I do. Should I be moving up weight faster?
    I am beginning to lift. I have been consulting mfp friends with awesome physiques who lift. My goal is to lift as heavy as possible with 10 reps 4 sets. I'm using mostly dumbbells. Since dumbbells are harder to do than machines (like your grip strength and accessory muscles have to catch up) I will sometimes have to use lighter weights than I want, and finish up on a corresponding machine in order to get a good burn. I am beginning to wean of machines. Each week, try to add weight, or maybe just a few reps, or sets to an exercise...so the muscle gets asked to do more. Record your reps/sets/weights as you go...I just use a very small spiral bound notebook with pen stuck thru the spirals...I leave it on a table and just return to it after completing the exercise and record.

    I lift 3 times per week, a different muscle group each time so they recover 1 week. I lift hard! I do a little cardio 3 times per week (not too much, just 20 min of sprints on lift days on an incline bike). I also do a 30 min walk 3 times per week. This schedule often gets derailed (busy mom) but I am getting closer.

    My goal is to lose 1lb/week...I have lost at least 5 lbs in the last 4 weeks. I LOVE lifting! I love how it changes my body soooo quickly.
  • Daisy_Cutter
    Daisy_Cutter Posts: 774
    I lifted in 2007 but have just started again over the last month

    The scale only moved 1 lb in the last 30 days but I'm into my size 10s again so I know my body is shrinking.

    My current weights are:

    Barbell curls - 50lbs
    Seated Row - 55lbs
    Barbell Squats 135 lbs
    Military Press 55 lbs
    Deadlifts 135 lbs
    Leg press - working weight is 700 lbs but I put up 1000 lbs yesterday as a challenge from the guys. Got 4 reps and then 3 reps.

    Lifting is amazing... and this is coming from a long-time distance runner.
  • YoYo1951
    YoYo1951 Posts: 370
    BUMP, interesting.
  • MinMin97
    MinMin97 Posts: 2,674 Member
    Does anyone here every feel weird when working out at the gym? I watch the bodybuilding videos a ton of times so I know what I'm doing, but when I get to the gym I get so nervous. Some of the workouts I can do in my women's section, but most of the workouts I need to do is in the part with all of the men. Sometimes I feel like I'm getting in their way or they'll look at me weird haha I'm just trying not to focus on it so much. I'm there to muscle pump, not impress people lol
    I can relate to this. My strategy to feel the most comfortable and able to focus: I wear something i don't have to think about or configure while I am trying to workout...in other words it stays in place...i don't feel exposed. I have a pretty simple weight routine that's concise and already written on paper. I began initially by getting familiar with the exercises on youtube...for example I put Monday's exercises on tabs on my computer and went thru each youtube video and kinda practiced the motions so I was familiar with them before I went in. At the gym, it's a matter of trying different weights and just giving it a go. Each week you will improve and just get generally more comfortable with the whole thing.
    Usually I think men respect a woman who's lifting...the respect is mutual!:) It's great to take on something new...have fun!
  • kaylurzz
    kaylurzz Posts: 121 Member
    Started to get into lifting this summer. And it's crazy how quickly I'm seeing results in my legs and shoulder.
    Slowing starting to build up the courage to use the free weights instead of the machines. :]
  • mamasmaltz3
    mamasmaltz3 Posts: 1,111 Member
    Bump
  • Nerdy_Rose
    Nerdy_Rose Posts: 1,277 Member
    I was terrified to start heavy lifting for a long time. I did a lot of light lifting (5 lbs, 8 lbs, etc.) and then I started rock climbing. After some encouragement on here, I decided to start Strong Lifts 5x5.

    Squats: Started with 45 lbs (just the bar). Now squatting 100 lbs.
    Dead lifts: Started with 60 lbs. Now dead lifting 125 lbs.
    Overheard press: Started with 45 lbs. Never moved up. Still at 45 lbs. Stuck.
    Rows: Started with... don't remember. Now rowing 85 lbs.
    Bench press: Started with 45 lbs. Now at 70 lbs.

    My butt is perkier. My stomach got a little flatter. And as a bonus, I feel like a bad *kitten*.
  • mikmurphy
    mikmurphy Posts: 57 Member
    I've made the decision recently to start lifting heavier, now that I'm over the fear of getting bulky. Ive mostly been doing machines as I haven't gotten my confidence up to do the free weights. I feel very awkward in the "big" weight room! Watching the exercises on You Tube is a good idea.
  • 2_young_2B_old
    2_young_2B_old Posts: 90 Member
    I haven't had access to barbells recently but at one time my 1 Rep Max was: dead lifts 250, back squat 185, shoulder press 85.

    I know I have lost some of that strength over the past year, but I currently work with 35# kettlebells. Bent over rows, clean and press on each arm, but not both at the same time, yet.
  • BinaryPulsar
    BinaryPulsar Posts: 8,927 Member
    Bump. I've been doing NRoL4W. I'm lifting as heavy as I can and I have visible muscle definition, but the amounts I'm lifting are far from impressive. I guess that's ok as I weigh just barely over 100 pounds (I'm petite), so the weights are heavy for me. I also have knee issues (from some past serious impact injuries), so I just started working with a physiotherapist.
  • nangel4u
    nangel4u Posts: 119
    I love hearing all of these replys, I am almost done with Insanity, I have less than 3 weeks left and I want to start lifting after and walking to help me lose the rest of this weight. I want to start off with 5 pounds and I dont know where I will be after that but little steps count...

    BUMP!!!!
  • blackgold86
    blackgold86 Posts: 171 Member
    Started about 2 months ago with a 11pounds in each hand for dumbell chest press. Can now do 22 pounds, so have doubled! Stared with 57 pounds on the lat incline and now at 83 pounds.
    Using a 45 pound barbell for my squats when started with a 17 pound dumbell!
  • stormystrickland
    stormystrickland Posts: 187 Member
    I really want to start doing the new rules of lifting for women or the 5x5 program, but I'm going to complete my Live Fit program first. I've already increased a lot in weight. When I start a new lifting program after the one I'm doing now, I'm confused at what phase I should start in. If I should just do the other programs as described or if I should start somewhere else because I will have been doing it for three months. What do you guys think?
  • ali_b83
    ali_b83 Posts: 324 Member
    Doing Livefit now, and probably Stronglift when I'm done. I love it!
  • Natihilator
    Natihilator Posts: 1,778 Member
    I started "New Rules...for Women" at the end of March, and while I've had a few issues with my back along the way, I totally love it!

    The basics, I guess:

    Deadlifts 60lbs --> 115lbs
    Squats 40lbs --> 95lbs
    Shoulder Press 10lb dumbbells --> 22.5lb dumbbells (I remember the first day using those 10-pounders, my arms were shaking, so getting to 22.5 made me super proud!)
    Lat Pulldown 45lbs --> 95lbs
    Seated Row --> 30lbs --> 75lbs
  • anashar
    anashar Posts: 67 Member
    Bumping because this is giving me inspiration and I hope to hear from more lifters. I started lifting about 3 weeks ago and my biggest issue is that I don't push myself enough so I am slow to increase the weights. But I am learning a lot from this thread, so thanks!
  • BinaryPulsar
    BinaryPulsar Posts: 8,927 Member
    I really want to start doing the new rules of lifting for women or the 5x5 program, but I'm going to complete my Live Fit program first. I've already increased a lot in weight. When I start a new lifting program after the one I'm doing now, I'm confused at what phase I should start in. If I should just do the other programs as described or if I should start somewhere else because I will have been doing it for three months. What do you guys think?

    You can still do the program as described, but just start off lifting at the heavy weights you can already lift and increase from there at the regular rate.
  • MrsLVF
    MrsLVF Posts: 787 Member
    Nice job ladies. :)
  • amy1612
    amy1612 Posts: 1,356 Member
    I started Stronglifts 8 weeks ago and am LOVING it! I do pole dance, and wanted to build strength. I'd been doing body bar classes for 2 years and hadnt really seen an increase in strength (gained around 5kg over 2 years over all movements). I'd never lifted more than 15kg when I started 8 weeks ago.

    My progress has been
    wk1 (empty bar for all but deadlift)
    Squat 20kg
    OHP 20kg
    DL 35kg
    Row 20kg
    Bench 20kg

    wk8
    Squat 65kg
    OHP 27.5kg
    DL 60kg
    Row 35kg
    Bench 35kg

    Im hoping to hit 30kg on OHP this week, its been my hardest lift, but is getting there :)
  • amy1612
    amy1612 Posts: 1,356 Member
    I don't lift yet. I recently bought an elliptical machine and I've been using it faithfully, but I'm struggling to start a beginner strengthening program. I understand why it's so important, but I don't want to go to the gym. Any advice for creating a cheap home program for strengthening?

    You could start with a variety of bodyweight exercises, push ups, pull ups, dips, etc. Google bodyweight exercises and go for it. Then maybe get yourself a cheap set of weights and a barbell, etc. :)
  • bikerbabe1971
    bikerbabe1971 Posts: 13
    Hey girls,

    I lift too and I love it :o) I am still quite over weight, and to boost my weightloss i started the Jillin Michaels 30 Day Shred and got on so well with it that I bought a set of bumbells and I can now lift the 2.2kg weights no problem.

    I love my arm and shoulder muscles, I am really starting to see some good definition now. I also run, elliptical and row so my legs are toning really well also.

    I think women bodybuilders look awesome. I won't go that far, but I am aiming for the best toned and muscular body I can!

    Please feel free to add me as a friend anyone as I am new to this site and would love to make likeminded friends :o)

    Leigh x
  • HeidiMightyRawr
    HeidiMightyRawr Posts: 3,343 Member
    Starting Bench press: 45lb bar, approx 6 reps. Now: 110lbs, 5 reps. Took me around a year to get up to around 80-85lbs. Then I had 9 months break in my first year at uni (only went gym 3 times) and dropped down to around 70lbs. It's taken me around 2 years to work back up to 110.

    Starting Overhead press: 45lb bar (I practiced with DB's and the machine for a little bit before - I probably couldn't have done the bar right at the beginning) Now: Around 72lbs for 5 reps. Same training pattern as bench with the years training, a break, and then 2 years.

    Starting Squat: 45lb bar. This took me forever to master, it wasn't the strength that was a problem it was the form/balance. Now: 120lbs for around 5 reps. Training for around 1 year 3 months (shamefully I never did squats/deads regularly before that)

    Starting Deadlift: Around 70-80lbs. Now 165lbs for 5 reps. Training for 1 year 3 months.

    Just started barbell rows about a week ago (of course experience in the other lifts will have helped my starting weight) 77lbs for 8 reps.

    All the other exercises such as isolations I haven't been training on as regularly, nor do I focus as much on the weight, so I can't remember much of what I started on.
  • TheFunBun
    TheFunBun Posts: 793 Member
    I started lifting again after a year and a half injury recovery... uhh. About 2 and a half months ago. New Rules of Lifting for women as well.

    Squats went from bodyweight to 115 *kitten* to grass and 135 parallel. Hoping to increase soon, but my knee is being dumb.
    Deadlifts from 95 to 165. I wanna get to 300 by the end of this year. Wut? Wut!
    Cable rows from 65 to 120
    Lat pulldowns from 80 to 120
    Just finished Stage 2 and still not sure how I feel about any of the new lifts, so I won't mention them


    ... Uhhhm, bench is steadily increasing. Started at 70, at 95 right now, sans spotter, so I'm sure I could go higher.


    Anyone who wants a lifting friend can add me! Lifty lifty lift lift.
  • stormystrickland
    stormystrickland Posts: 187 Member
    I really want to start doing the new rules of lifting for women or the 5x5 program, but I'm going to complete my Live Fit program first. I've already increased a lot in weight. When I start a new lifting program after the one I'm doing now, I'm confused at what phase I should start in. If I should just do the other programs as described or if I should start somewhere else because I will have been doing it for three months. What do you guys think?

    You can still do the program as described, but just start off lifting at the heavy weights you can already lift and increase from there at the regular rate.


    Thanks! I'm definitely going to do that. :)
  • stormystrickland
    stormystrickland Posts: 187 Member
    I also just bought the NROL4W today! :) I'm so readyyyy.
  • Tdk4685
    Tdk4685 Posts: 293 Member
    I have been lifting for over a year now. I started that the same time I started my cardio and weight loss plans. I am so glad I included lifting when I did. I have come a long way but I am not where I want to be yet.
  • NovemberJune
    NovemberJune Posts: 2,525 Member
    I just started a few weeks ago. Started squatting the bar, so 45#s. Now 60#s. Started deadlifting 85#s but I was really concerned with my form so I dropped to 60 and now I've worked up to 80#s. Those are really the only big lifts I do because I don't have a spotter for chest press or anything. So I do 30#s for chest press and shoulder press. Not sure what options I have for that. But I'm new so I'll figure out what to do that is safe. :smile:

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