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Thread: weight training help

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    Featured Member kandie_kitten's Avatar
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    Default weight training help

    So, I've had a lot of conflicting advice on weight training. A personal trainer would be great, but I literally am in the middle of hick ville, and when i tried, his idea of "weight training" was holding 1-3 lbs (even when i said I was used to 15 lbs for most arm work) while I was on the treadmill, that's it. That kind of outdated advice is all I kind find in this area.

    I'm an extreme pear shape (134 lbs, measurements 34-24-40...seriously). From the waist up I'm very slim, flat stomach, narrow arms, good muscle tone...but my ass and legs look like the belong to a different, much larger person. Flabby and jiggly and huge blegh.

    What kind of routine should I be followign to balance myself? I realize weight training won't do all the work; as is, I do cardio for at least 30 minutes (but usually more like an hour...I do interval training, and I switch machines or type of cardio...I run, use the elliptical, karate, I take an aerobics class, and horseback ride) 6 days a week, and I'm working on my diet (my biggest flaw is my soda addiction, getting away from that!) but I have been told weight training will even my shap eout a bit.

    But should I only be doing upper body weights? or should I work upper and lower, but more sets up top? What kind of weights should I use? And what kind of exercises? I'm just lost.

    I own free weights (up to 40 lbs), but I can also get to my school's gym if machine sare required.

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    Banned rozz's Avatar
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    Default Re: weight training help

    Cardio every day, at least 30 minutes. As for weights, low weight/high reps are your best bet. For more detaill, I'd have to know how many days per week you were planning on hitting weights.

    Oh, and bleacher runs are great for legs and butt, if you're looking to liven up your cardio.
    Last edited by rozz; 02-05-2007 at 11:26 AM. Reason: bleachers

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    God/dess Emily's Avatar
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    Default Re: weight training help

    I got this book after I stopped using a personal trainer. it's awesome and sounds like what you're looking for. it shows how to combine upper and lower body weight training with cardio. Don't worry about the title of the diet. Very little of it is about abs, but rather how to lose middle fat by working your major muscle groups.

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/159...599154-3153512

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    Banned rozz's Avatar
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    Default Re: weight training help

    Quote Originally Posted by Emily View Post
    I got this book after I stopped using a personal trainer. it's awesome and sounds like what you're looking for. it shows how to combine upper and lower body weight training with cardio. Don't worry about the title of the diet. Very little of it is about abs, but rather how to lose middle fat by working your major muscle groups.
    Oh, yes, the Abs Diet is amazing goodness. I have two books from this author, and the smoothie recipes are 100% nummy.

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    God/dess VenusGoddess's Avatar
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    Default Re: weight training help

    I don't think you should do the "regular" cardio. When you get onto the treadmill and elliptical, etc, you are working out the lower body and building even more muscle tone...which is fine...but...you don't even it out.

    If you can find a gym that has an upper body cardio machine called the Upper Body Ergometer, you can get your cardio workout without bulking up your lower body. I would say switch between these machines.



    But, then there is the thing you cannot change...genetics. No matter how much weight you lose, you are still going to have this overall shape. Eat well, do your cardio, do your weights and you'll look great.

    I would also like to add that Pilates and Yoga are very good at increasing muscle tone while lengthening everything out. See what classes your local gym has or invest in some good Pilates/Yoga tapes.

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    God/dess Emily's Avatar
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    Default Re: weight training help

    that's a weird ass machine!

    I've been doing boxing workouts lately and they are great for cardio and don't put much emphasis on the lwoer body.

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    Banned rozz's Avatar
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    Default Re: weight training help

    If she ends up doing low weight/high rep training, muscle appears more toned, rather than producing hypertrophy. I'm a natural pear, but if I train like that, my legs slim out and my butt is a lot less wide.

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    God/dess scarlett_vancouver's Avatar
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    Default Re: weight training help

    I need to up my weight training... do you guys use free weights, resistance, your own body weight, machines...? I'm lost!

    Feature costumes for sale!

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    God/dess Emily's Avatar
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    Default Re: weight training help

    sometimes free weights, sometimes machines

    I like free weights for exercises that require balance (like squats and lunges) because it works the core. I like the machines for the heavier exercises so I don't hurt myself.

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    Banned rozz's Avatar
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    Default Re: weight training help

    Quote Originally Posted by Emily View Post
    sometimes free weights, sometimes machines

    I like free weights for exercises that require balance (like squats and lunges) because it works the core. I like the machines for the heavier exercises so I don't hurt myself.
    I like free weights for the balance factor as well. I use the machines for exercises like deep squats (smith machine), leg curls and leg extensions. But mostly, I'm a free weight girl. I go six days a week (yes, I know I'm excessive, but you haven't seen the state of my ass if I don't go), and hit legs, arms, shoulders, legs, chest, back. It's actually fun at this point. I keep track and I like to see how my body changes and how much stronger I get.

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    God/dess VenusGoddess's Avatar
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    Default Re: weight training help

    I like encorporating free weights with the balance/stability ball.

    I've always mixed up my workout to keep boredom from setting in. They're all great exercises and really the only thing that matters at that point is how dedicated you are to keep doing it.

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    Banned rozz's Avatar
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    Default Re: weight training help

    Quote Originally Posted by VenusGoddess View Post
    I like encorporating free weights with the balance/stability ball.

    I've always mixed up my workout to keep boredom from setting in. They're all great exercises and really the only thing that matters at that point is how dedicated you are to keep doing it.
    There's a few new studies out that suggest that using a stability ball for anything other than ab work and pushups isn't any more effective than performing the exercise a traditional way. Given the instability inherent using a stability ball, it can actually be more dangerous to newbs. That being said, I still love using a big stability ball for my rear lateral raises. It gives the best shape for the movement.

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    Senior Member callah44's Avatar
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    Default Re: weight training help

    Quote Originally Posted by rozz View Post
    I like free weights for the balance factor as well. I use the machines for exercises like deep squats (smith machine), leg curls and leg extensions. But mostly, I'm a free weight girl. I go six days a week (yes, I know I'm excessive, but you haven't seen the state of my ass if I don't go), and hit legs, arms, shoulders, legs, chest, back. It's actually fun at this point. I keep track and I like to see how my body changes and how much stronger I get.
    Do you do one or two body parts a day and alternate or work a little of everything each day?

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    Banned rozz's Avatar
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    Default Re: weight training help

    Quote Originally Posted by callah44 View Post
    Do you do one or two body parts a day and alternate or work a little of everything each day?
    I work one or two muscle groups a day. It works for me. Low weight, high reps all the way. Oh, and pyramid training. Always good.

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