Weighty Matters.

I've been spending the new year reading several fitness and diet-related books. Just reading about these things helps keep me focused and motivated. Of course, actually moving my body helps even more.

One of my recent purchases was The New Rules of Lifting For Women. I'd really been slacking off on my strength training (along with everything else, alas) by the end of last year, and I wanted a good, focused program to help me get back on track.

The subtitle "Lift Like A Man; Look Like A Goddess" might have irked me a little at first, but I get the underlying idea here: Too many women are conditioned to believe that if they lift anything over five pounds, they'll end up looking like Hulk Hogan. If only it were that easy to build muscle, particularly for women. If the author had his way, we'd all purge the words "tone" and "sculpt" from our vocabularies (a sentiment I think I've seen over on Stumptuous as well) and start getting used to hefting heavier dumbbells and barbells. It's hard work. Anything worth doing usually is.

His program is broken down into several stages and subworkouts; I did Workout A of Stage 1 on Sunday. Three days later, my abs are still killing me. And it's all due to the evil, evil "Prone Jackknife" move. I should have known that one was going to be trouble; the book recommended 15 reps of all the other exercises in Workout A, but only eight for the dreaded Jackknife. It doesn't *look* that bad in the video -- indeed, nothing in Workout A looked all that forbidding -- but I was one sore puppy for the next couple of days.

One of the nicest things about the workout? I was able to do it at home thanks to the dumbbells, barbells, mats, bands, and Swiss balls we've accumulated over the years. Naturally, it's optimal to do the workouts at gyms where you'll have a wider range of weights and equipment to use, but most of the exercises can be done at home.

And you know what? It was fun. I kinda missed my friendly little basement gym. It may not have all the fancy machines and weights and stuff, but on the other hand I don't have to wait for equipment, or wipe someone else's sweat off a bench I want to use (ewwww!).

That being said, I'm looking forward to trying Workout B at the rec center tomorrow night. I really do like the way I feel when I'm lifting weights; one of my goals is to see this program through to the end.

Comments

[Salma G]

Hope the Jeopardy audition went well. Come back to the 5 and Dime, Nicole! I miss reading your writing ... and no, twittering doesn't count.

[caitmin]

Eat well be happy

[Diet Diva]

I just came across your blog, great content. I will be back for more! I know what you mean, we are conditioned to think that heavy lifting will cause us to look like the Incredible Hulk, but lifting weight is so important to our health in so many ways. Conditioning with weights helps us to build stronger bones and gives us a fat burning boost.

[Adult Weight Loss Camp]

Yeah, where did you go?

[home gym equipment]

I like the river boat gym idea. A more basic idea that might work though would be hooking dynamo’s up to all the eliptical, treadmill, and byclces at the gym and harnessing that electrical power for use by the gym. I would totally get a membership if the River boat gym every opens a location on Ladybird lake and would definitely try to run over the crew teams. haha no hard feelings crew members

[home gym equipment]

I like the river boat gym idea. A more basic idea that might work though would be hooking dynamo’s up to all the eliptical, treadmill, and byclces at the gym and harnessing that electrical power for use by the gym. I would totally get a membership if the River boat gym every opens a location on Ladybird lake and would definitely try to run over the crew teams. haha no hard feelings crew members

[Rosie E]

I agree with a previous comment, using weight should be part of your fitness routine, not necessarily used to bulk up. I often miss weights out at the gym and have now got a personal trainer to show me how to use weights without ending up with huge muscles as that is not me. But hey if you want to bulk up and have bigger muscles then whether you are male or female it should make no difference

[Kat]

Great blog! I always feel better when I am lifting weights. Sometimes women are scared to lift weight because they don't want to bulk up, but weightlifting helps your body in so many other ways. Thanks for the blog.

[Michelle]

The fastest and safest way to reach your goal weight is with physician supervised weight loss. Medi-Weightloss Clinics has locations across the U.S. They also help you maintain your weight loss through their wellness program! Check it out! www.mediweightlossclinics.com

[Herbalife Las Vegas]

I like what I have read so far, I hope you start blogging again.

[Karen]

I have been slacking off on the strength training too. I put my hand weights in the kitchen and pick them up when ever I am on the phone or cooking in the microwave. Getting strong two minutes at a time! :)

[Stella]

I have recently just started the workouts in the book as well. it's fabulous! Nice to know that there are other women out there who are trying it as well. This is the first 'non-diet' book that I've found useful. It's not all about weight loss and cutting calories.
I hope things go well for you! Keep posting about the successes and hardships. Nice to know someone else is going through them.

[Daniel]

Great blog and very motivating. I read about your blog on another weight loss blog (kimkinsdiet.blogspot.com). I'll visit again soon. Happy losing!

[Kc Curay]

Hi! I thought your blog was cool and will visit often. In the meantime I can recommend healthy sexuality.

[One week direct diet]

Too good blogs to let her inform about health diet. great lerning about it.....keep going ...!

[Lose Fat & Build Muscle]

This is so true and not just for women. A lot of people believe that weight training will make them too bulky like a bodybuilder. I always just laugh because it's like let's be realistic, you're not going to look like Arnold anytime soon, don't worry.

[jonesaudrey]

We will get lots of clues and sources to loss our weight from this post. Thanks

www.loss-weigh.com

[Phoenix SmartLipo]

Good luck with your workouts!

[How to lose 50 pounds]

I would love to read more how it's going.

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[san diego fitness center gym]

This program is broken down into several stages and subworkouts even though i am not familiar with this,i want you to know that good you shared this.

fith

[Shauntel]

As a woman I think it's very attractive when a woman can lift more than 5 pounds and continue to sculpt :) I wish you luck on your workout! I actually work with Del Monte, and right now we have these new citrus bowls and Superfruit snacks that are healthy and natural. The fruit comes pre-peeled and the containers are easy to pick up and go. Our website actually has recipes that make light meals, and you can even get some coupons while you're there! If you're looking for something healthy to balance out your workout, give it a try :)

http://bit.ly/42t1Ne

[JimD]

You are spot ion with the comments about lining up for equipment and the sweat thing, yuk. In my opinion you can fit a home gym into a pretty small space, well worth it.

[Alex]

Just started doing weights again and my arms look awesome! Only using little weights but I've found that I love the stress release and the burn in my shoulders.

[justine]

Very inspiring article. you're my new hero. But for someone just starting out, would you recommend investing in a set of adjustable dumbbells?