Women & Weights

[YODA]

Found this on another forum and thought it was VERY good.......

===================

Why Women Need Weight Training
By Ambey

Again and again, research has shown that women who maintain a regular, moderate strength training program enjoy a long list of health advantages. Some women still fear that weight training might bulk them up in unfeminine ways; however, as women of all ages realize the benefits of resistance training, negative attitudes about women in the weight room are rapidly fading, according to renowned strength training researcher William J. Kraemer, PhD, of Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

Weight training expert and researcher Wayne Westcott, PhD, from the South Shore YMCA in Quincy, Massachusetts, gives 10 important reasons why women need to take strength training seriously:

1. You'll Lose More Fat Than You'll Gain in Muscle.
Westcott and his colleagues have done numerous weight training studies involving thousands of women and have never had anyone complain about bulking up. In fact, Westcott's research shows that the average woman who strength trains two to three times a week for eight weeks gains 1.75 pounds of lean weight or muscle and loses 3.5 pounds of fat. Unlike men, women typically don't gain size from strength training, because compared to men, women have 10 to 30 times less of the hormones that cause bulking up, explains Kraemer.

2. Your New Muscle Will Help Fight Obesity.
As you add muscle from strength training, your resting metabolism will increase, so you'll burn more calories all day long, notes Westcott. For each pound of muscle you gain, you'll burn 35 to 50 more calories daily. So, for example, if you gain three pounds of muscle and burn 40 extra calories for each pound, you'll burn 120 more calories per day, or approximately 3,600 more calories per month. That equates to a loss of 10 to 12 pounds in one year!

3. You'll Be a Stronger Woman.
Westcott's studies indicate that moderate weight training increases a woman's strength by 30 to 50 percent. Extra strength will make it easier to accomplish some daily activities, such as lifting children or groceries. Kraemer notes that most strength differences between men and women can be explained by differences in body size and fat mass; pound for pound, women can develop their strength at the same rate as men.

4. Your Bones Will Benefit.
By the time you leave high school, you have established all the bone mineral density you'll ever have--unless you strength train, says Westcott. Research has found that weight training can increase spinal bone mineral density by 13 percent in six months. So strength training is a powerful tool against osteoporosis.

5. You Will Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes.
Adult-onset diabetes is a growing problem for women and men. Research indicates that weight training can increase glucose utilization in the body by 23 percent in four months.

6. You Will Fight Heart Disease.
Strength training will improve your cholesterol profile and blood pressure, according to recent research. Of course, your exercise program should also include cardiovascular exercise and flexibility training.

7. You Will Be Able to Beat Back Pain and Fight Arthritis.
A recent 12-year study showed that strengthening the low-back muscles had an 80 percent success rate in eliminating or alleviating low-back pain. Other studies have indicated that weight training can ease arthritis pain and strengthen joints.

8. You'll Be a Better Athlete.
Westcott has found that strength training improves athletic ability. Golfers, for example, significantly increase their driving power. Whatever your sport of choice, strength training may not only improve your proficiency but also decrease your risk of injury.

9. It Will Work No Matter How Old You Are.
Westcott has successfully trained numerous women in their 70s and 80s, and studies show that strength improvements are possible at any age. Note, however, that a strength training professional should always supervise older participants.

10. You?ll Strengthen Your Mental Health.
A Harvard study found that 10 weeks of strength training reduced clinical depression symptoms more successfully than standard counseling did, Westcott says. Women who strength train commonly report feeling more confident and capable as a result of their program.


====================

[Saz]

"Extra strength will make it easier to accomplish some daily activities, such as lifting children or groceries"

erm.. we can do other things too ya know! :)

Seriously though, since I started weight training a few months ago, I've noticed loads of benefits, and so far, no side effects. My punching and kicking strength is way better than what it used to be, and its even improved my kata somewhat. I've lost fat too, which is a bonus.

[YODA]

LOL! - Yeah, I though that sentence was a bit open to criticism.

Keep on pumpin' that iron :D

[wayofthedragon]

Women weight training:eek:
I think it's cool, yet I personally think they should stick to light weights. Not heavy weights as they do like in competitons and stuff. Just light weight, or just enough. At least there own body weight. Cause all those bulky women I see on those muscle magazine covers is just not necessary. I mean, some women I've seen on front covers of muscle magazines are bigger than some of the men. That is so unatractive to me. I don't want no woman with muscles bigger than mines.....what if I cheat on her, or piss her off or something.....I'd be dead:eek:

Seriously though, I don't think weight training is a bad ideal for women. I think it's a great idea, just not too much;)

[Dragon_Princess]

As for women weight training...I've been lifting for the past week. Yeah, i agree some ladies be looking to masculine. I gotta keep the nice body but add a lil muscles in case my man do cheat on me. lol.:)

ps-of course, I beat him, cheat on him, and still keep him. lmao.

[Dragon_Princess]

I am starting off slowly. I have the ability to lift 97 lbs.

[wayofthedragon]

ps-of course, I beat him, cheat on him, and still keep him. lmao.

Oh really:o

:D

Hmmmm....so you've started weight training ehh Princess....I can't wait to see how you've improved when I get back home:eek:

[Dragon_Princess]

lol...that's right. and I already promised you a beating when we see each other again. You arent scared, are ya?:confused:

[wayofthedragon]

Bring it on baby:woo:
We'll discuss this thing later on

[Dragon_Princess]

mmmmmm...I like the sound of that.

*gets back on topic*

Just trying to get a lil more muscles! That's all.

[fluffydoc]

1. Will you 2 please get a room so I don't have to read your flirting instead of the thread topic?

2. I've done muscular endurance weight training twice weekly for almost 2 years now and I've definitely gained some bulk in my upper body (I was skinny to start with so I didn't just change fatty mass to muscle). I think I still look feminine but some would disagree. Either way, I like it.

[Knight_Errant]

Yeah, cool. In spite of what some people (and they are blessedly few these days) will tell you, it takes a hell of a lot to do 'too much'. The differences between men and women weight trainers have been vastly exagerrated.
Where's that article I slipped to booksie?

[TigerAnsTKDLove]

i am in a advanced gym class called excel its a weight training class. i use to be very weak but taking this class i noticed muscle development in my arms and in my calfs. my max. when benching was 80-90 lbs. but now im over 100. if i was never in this class i prolly couldnt even pick up a 60 lb object knowing me. i take excel 5 days a week and i do tkd 3 days a week. my excel schedule consists of running for 30 mins, weightlifting, cardio work, and sprinting the rest of the hour total excel class time= 90 minutes. a great workout i love excel and i love lifting those weights.

[Saz]

Noob question Alert:

Whats a decent amount for a women to be lifting? I can't lift much compared to what I used to pre injury, and I feel like I'm wasting my time. A ball park figure will do.

[YODA]

The only "decent amount" is this.... more than you were 3 months ago.

Anything else is too subjective.

[neryo_tkd]

i agree that many women think that weight training will turn them into Arnold Schwarzeneger. that is why they prefer taking aerobics classes. I have read several articles about women and weight training and in all of them it was said that women should do it because there are number of benefits.

[Ghost Frog]

Great article, Yoda.

Like you KGirl, I started weight training a couple of years back, and I have found that it has given me huge hand in MA training, both for strength in techniques and in overall injury prevention. It also seems to give you a real psychological boost.

I haven't bulked up any more than from doing my normal MA training. Lots of women say that they don't want to look the women on the front of muscle mags, but it just isn't that easy. As the article says, less testosterone means it's very hard to build bulk, and as for those women on the front of muscle mags, to get a look like that you'd have to get heavily into supplements and kiss goodbye forever to that Saturday night kebab. :)

[booksie_girl]

KE, here's the link, and very interesting too. Need to slip these to the school weights instructor :rolleyes: http://www.t-mag.com/nation_articles/254fun.jsp

[Knight_Errant]

Aye. I just can't BELIEVE that philistine weights instructor won't let you chin, squat bench or deadlift. Have you tried doing it a few timest just to watch the reaction?

[Ghost Frog]

That's an excellent articel, booksie + random. I'll be using that again... :)

[booksie_girl]

I should, I really should. I changed the weight on one of the machines, because the resistance was almost non-existant, and got an angry 'Put that back down to 5kg now!'

[Greg-VT]

5kg?

I'd be writing letter of complaint Booksie. I wouldn't want to pay money for nothing.

[booksie_girl]

I'm not actually paying, or at least I hope not, it's part of school sport.

[Knight_Errant]

Your Dad's taxes are going so that you can be forced to lift 5K?
Burn the school! :eek:

[booksie_girl]

Not taxes, private school! ie - what they say goes. I'll see how it goes tomorrow, if it doesn't get significantly better, I'm going to complain. 2 lessons should be enough to learn technique, I want muscle for MA, not a perfectly toned skinny body that could be better obtained by aerobics.

[Ad McG]

***TONE ALERT***

Shudder.


Pissed myself at the bit about carrying groceries and the kids, hahaha :D

[shotokanwarrior]

I think it's cool, yet I personally think they should stick to light weights...I mean, some women I've seen on front covers of muscle magazines are bigger than some of the men. That is so unatractive to me.

So you're saying that we shouldn't condition our bodies too much because we look unattractive? Excuse me. Women are not here to look attractive to men. We have a right to develop our bodies the same as men do. If women conformed to the ideology of some men, we would consist of nothing more than uteruses.
women typically don't gain size from strength training
Actually, that's not true...the actress Carrie Anne Moss has muscles like nautical ropes. And, Way of the dragon, she still looks feminine.

[tom pain]

Keep on pumpin' that iron :D

Aye, us men want nice tidy clothes ;)

[Tika]

shotokan: Where did you get those quotes from? Or who rather? I didnt see them.....

[KickChick]

shotokan: Where did you get those quotes from? Or who rather? I didnt see them.....


Previous posts from WOTD

[Tika]

Previous posts from WOTD

Thanks...didnt see it. Grrrr

[Scarlet Mist]

I find athletic girls/women better looking, besides when they chase you after saying something mean you actually have to run. Unless of course you pump too much iron and you get ripped. That just kills it for me

[Tika]

I find athletic girls/women better looking, besides when they chase you after saying something mean you actually have to run. Unless of course you pump too much iron and you get ripped. That just kills it for me

I think id make you run screamin SM :)... but I dont look athletic quite just yet.... but still hehehe im scary :D even the degenerates at the biker bar I hang out at agree :D

When it comes to looks, everyone has their own tastes. Cant fault you for that. Just remember that it takes a LOT for a woman to get ripped. And if someone is that dedicated to what theyre doing, I highly doubt they care whether or not you'd(or most other men for that matter) find them appealing.

[Scarlet Mist]

I think id make you run screamin SM :)... but I dont look athletic quite just yet.... but still hehehe im scary :D even the degenerates at the biker bar I hang out at agree :D

When it comes to looks, everyone has their own tastes. Cant fault you for that. Just remember that it takes a LOT for a woman to get ripped. And if someone is that dedicated to what theyre doing, I highly doubt they care whether or not you'd(or most other men for that matter) find them appealing.

As for making me run screaming, I doubt it ;) . ;)
You're right about the second part howerver, I doubt a woman that dedicated would care. I admire the dedication, but that doesn't mean I'm not scared as hell :eek:

[Tika]

As for making me run screaming, I doubt it ;) . ;)
You're right about the second part howerver, I doubt a woman that dedicated would care. I admire the dedication, but that doesn't mean I'm not scared as hell :eek:

A rational exchange... I liked that there... maybe youre ok after all... *tackle*

[Ad McG]

A rational exchange... I liked that there... maybe youre ok after all... *tackle*


What the hell is all this tackle business I keep seeing from you tika?

[Tika]

What the hell is all this tackle business I keep seeing from you tika?

Why? You scared of my tackle ? :D

[Ad McG]

Why? You scared of my tackle ? :D


I know we were speaking about women getting all "mannish" from weight training but I never thought you could go this far! :D Seriously, what the hell is it all about!?!

[Tika]

I know we were speaking about women getting all "mannish" from weight training but I never thought you could go this far! :D Seriously, what the hell is it all about!?!

My tackles are NOT manish :p . Ive been tackling for a while....lots...tons of tackling... where have you been? lol

[Ad McG]

My tackles are NOT manish :p . Ive been tackling for a while....lots...tons of tackling... where have you been? lol


I didn't mean your tackles were mannish, I meant, you know, "tackle", innuendo... obviously you've never seen a Carry On film :D

I have been around, hence why I see it everywhere. What the hell is it about?

[Saz]

I'm honestly suprised no-one has brought up the tackle innuendo comment until now. Maybe its a British thing... ;) :)

[KickChick]

I've brushed up ALOT on my British slang since I've been here... and even I knew this! ;) (.... but I thought it best not to "bring it up" :D :Angel: )

[Poop-Loops]

When my mom had her "gym phase" (her friend started going, so she did too, for like a month), I tried to get her to do strength training, but she said she didn't want to get bulky (she's 48). =/ She stopped going a month later because her knees hurt, because she has arthritis. Funny, that's what doctors say you're SUPPOSED TO do when you have arthritis, right?

PL

[KickChick]

Funny, that's what doctors say you're SUPPOSED TO do when you have arthritis, right?

:confused: .... 'specially considering that weight training not only builds stronger muscles in us older women, but also builds stronger connective tissues and increases joint stability.... it has also been shown to ease the pain of osteo arthritis.

[KungFuGirl]

Women weight training:eek:
I think it's cool, yet I personally think they should stick to light weights. Not heavy weights as they do like in competitons and stuff. Just light weight, or just enough. At least there own body weight. Cause all those bulky women I see on those muscle magazine covers is just not necessary. I mean, some women I've seen on front covers of muscle magazines are bigger than some of the men. That is so unatractive to me. I don't want no woman with muscles bigger than mines.....what if I cheat on her, or piss her off or something.....I'd be dead:eek:

Seriously though, I don't think weight training is a bad ideal for women. I think it's a great idea, just not too much;)

See this is the kind of stupid sexist tripe that I think a lot of women fall for.

Guess what, unless a woman works out like ALL DAY and is a PROFESSIONAL body builder, she isn't going to get super bulky muscles like a man.

I am tired of listening to stupid women talk about avoiding the gym because they don't want to look bulky.

1) What a shallow stupid reason to avoid weights.

2) YOu can't just 'accidentally' bulk up like that. Women's bodies tend to actually resist putting on that kind of muscle, especially upper body. To get that look female professional body builders have to consume a ton of calories and special protien mixes combined with intensive long hours at the gym.


Personally, if a guy finds it "unattractive" that you can bench a lot, than he obviously has insecurity issues and I'd lose him before I changed my gym plans.

[KickChick]

Personally, if a guy finds it "unattractive" that you can bench a lot, than he obviously has insecurity issues and I'd lose him before I changed my gym plans.


Remember this thread guys?? :D ;)

Ladies with Muscles (http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15968)

[Poop-Loops]

See this is the kind of stupid sexist tripe that I think a lot of women fall for.

Guess what, unless a woman works out like ALL DAY and is a PROFESSIONAL body builder, she isn't going to get super bulky muscles like a man.

I am tired of listening to stupid women talk about avoiding the gym because they don't want to look bulky.

1) What a shallow stupid reason to avoid weights.

2) YOu can't just 'accidentally' bulk up like that. Women's bodies tend to actually resist putting on that kind of muscle, especially upper body. To get that look female professional body builders have to consume a ton of calories and special protien mixes combined with intensive long hours at the gym.


Personally, if a guy finds it "unattractive" that you can bench a lot, than he obviously has insecurity issues and I'd lose him before I changed my gym plans.

What I hate is when there are commercials, either for a gym, or just "woman power" stuff, they always show women working on machines, or with really small dumbells. =/

PL

EDIT: also, I remembered on one commercial a woman was on a machine, and she thought to herself "just 8 more". =/

[Tika]

I'm honestly suprised no-one has brought up the tackle innuendo comment until now. Maybe its a British thing... ;) :)

Oh my... I honestly had no idea. I think if I DID know, I would have done it anways hehehe... but I didnt know. :o

[shotokanwarrior]

See this is the kind of stupid sexist tripe that I think a lot of women fall for.

Thank crap someone agrees with me. I thought I was going to get nuked for personal attacks there.

How long, and what kind of resistance/intensity, does it take for a woman to get 'ripped'? I am rather delicately built and I think it sucks.

[glenchuy]

Cause all those bulky women I see on those muscle magazine covers is just not necessary. I mean, some women I've seen on front covers of muscle magazines are bigger than some of the men. That is so unatractive to me.

quoted for massive truthery.

although, i do like it if they do a little weight training- keeps them in shape. also, time spent at the weights room = less time spent at the shopping zone :D

[KungFuGirl]

quoted for massive truthery.

although, i do like it if they do a little weight training- keeps them in shape. also, time spent at the weights room = less time spent at the shopping zone :D

UGH! "keeps them in shape"

:bang:

I never realized that the whole point of women working out or exercising was to please the male eye.

I hope you were joking. Seriously, I can't believe how sexist many of the guys on this site seem to be. Not cool, not cool at all.

[Knight_Errant]

How long, and what kind of resistance/intensity, does it take for a woman to get 'ripped'? I am rather delicately built and I think it sucks
It's not, in fact, massively different from that a man would have to. There ARE differences- women tend to respond better to SLIGHTLY more reps and SLIGHTLY less intensity, but nothing like on the scale that certain members of the fitness industry would have us believe. We're talking about a 10-15% difference at the MOST.

[YODA]

UGH! "keeps them in shape"

:bang:

I never realized that the whole point of women working out or exercising was to please the male eye.



*Applause.

It's about time people realised that a woman can exercise and work out FOR HER!

[Knight_Errant]

I have a table from T-nation that you may find helpful.

[Wesker]

UGH! "keeps them in shape"

:bang:

I never realized that the whole point of women working out or exercising was to please the male eye.

I hope you were joking. Seriously, I can't believe how sexist many of the guys on this site seem to be. Not cool, not cool at all.

KFG, you're taking this a little too personal. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If a guy does or doesn't like a woman with muscles, that's his business.

[YODA]

KFG, you're taking this a little too personal. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If a guy does or doesn't like a woman with muscles, that's his business.

I think you've missed the point. The point was that maybe her motives for getting or not getting those muscles had little to do with parading them in front of men.

[Scarlet Mist]

UGH! "keeps them in shape"

:bang:

I never realized that the whole point of women working out or exercising was to please the male eye.

I hope you were joking. Seriously, I can't believe how sexist many of the guys on this site seem to be. Not cool, not cool at all.



I understand where he's coming from. I know where Kung fu Grrl is coming from too. but think about it, don't a great many guys work out to please the female eye? What's bad about it working the other way? I've heard girls say the same thing Glenchuy just say. There's a difference between being sexist and being human.

Thank crap someone agrees with me. I thought I was going to get nuked for personal attacks there.

How long, and what kind of resistance/intensity, does it take for a woman to get 'ripped'? I am rather delicately built and I think it sucks..


Yes, you were :D :D . I don't know how it works for women, you could try Dr. Google, or a women's health magazine.
And I pump Iron, 'cause I ain't delicate
Trying to get ripped as I'll ever get
And if you're not messing with that, you must be celibate...
:D
:D :D

[cybermonk]

I understand where he's coming from. I know where Kung fu Grrl is coming from too. but think about it, don't a great many guys work out to please the female eye? What's bad about it working the other way? I've heard girls say the same thing Glenchuy just say. There's a difference between being sexist and being human.


I second that :)

[glenchuy]

although, i do like it if they do a little weight training- keeps them in shape.

i don't know how such a simple phrase can be taken out of context, but all i mean was- i like weight training for women because it keeps them in shape (as opposed to- i like women who weight train because they keep themselves in shape)

*Applause.

It's about time people realised that a woman can exercise and work out FOR HER!

and if the woman excercises for themselves, it doesn't keep them in shape? :confused: sorry if i came off as being sexist or such.

also- what he said-

I understand where he's coming from. I know where Kung fu Grrl is coming from too. but think about it, don't a great many guys work out to please the female eye? What's bad about it working the other way? I've heard girls say the same thing Glenchuy just say. There's a difference between being sexist and being human.

how come, when men talk about how cute the girl is, because she's fit, it makes men sound sexist, and thus bad- but when women talk about how cute a guy is because he has great abs/is fit, it still sounds sexist, but is acceptable?

is it wrong for me to be more attracted to people who are "fit" as opposed to those who are "not fit"?

[KungFuGirl]

i don't know how such a simple phrase can be taken out of context, but all i mean was- i like weight training for women because it keeps them in shape (as opposed to- i like women who weight train because they keep themselves in shape)



and if the woman excercises for themselves, it doesn't keep them in shape? :confused: sorry if i came off as being sexist or such.

also- what he said-



how come, when men talk about how cute the girl is, because she's fit, it makes men sound sexist, and thus bad- but when women talk about how cute a guy is because he has great abs/is fit, it still sounds sexist, but is acceptable?
is it wrong for me to be more attracted to people who are "fit" as opposed to those who are "not fit"?

Because this thread is about women and weight training. It's not a thread about "What type of woman do you think is cute?"

I'm going to act defensive because I am VERY USED TO sexist jerks saying rude things to me and other women on the topic.

I bolded the part of you reply that I thought was stupid since you seem to have somehow completely missed the point of this discussion. It isn't sexist to say a girl is cute or a guy is cute. It IS sexist to say women shouldn't or should work out because of muscle development and sex appeal. That isn't what this thread is about.

The reason it bothers me so much is I hate/hate/hate how some girls are completely intimidated to go to the gym because of sexist assholic remarks.

I really don't think you were trying to be sexist, I think you are probably a good person. It's just that you have to realize that it can come accross that way to people that are very used to being stereotyped and discriminated against based on their sex.

I hope that made sense?

[KungFuGirl]

I think you've missed the point. The point was that maybe her motives for getting or not getting those muscles had little to do with parading them in front of men.


I think Yoda says things more elequently than I am able to.

[Scarlet Mist]

Because this thread is about women and weight training. It's not a thread about "What type of woman do you think is cute?"

I'm going to act defensive because I am VERY USED TO sexist jerks saying rude things to me and other women on the topic.

I bolded the part of you reply that I thought was stupid since you seem to have somehow completely missed the point of this discussion. It isn't sexist to say a girl is cute or a guy is cute. It IS sexist to say women shouldn't or should work out because of muscle development and sex appeal. That isn't what this thread is about.



Firstly, I think you need chill the hec out. Secondly, I am VERY USED TO being called a sexist jerk because I said something that wasn't sexist at all, but the name callers were on the defensive because of something or other.

You say it is sexist to say a woman should or shouldn't work out because of sex appeal. Firstly, Glenchuy didn't say that. And what if he did, if he doesn't like a ripped woman does that affect the woman in any way? Most girls I know say guys should go to the gym to get a little muscle (I've had girls tell em this, but it's my choice if I want to work out for girls or for strength) but they hate those big bulky bodybuilders. No one calls them sexist. I think what's happening is that you're expecting sexist comments and attacking anything that remotely resembles one - and even seeing them when they're not there.

Anyway, enough of that. Back to women and weights. Like I was saying about athletic girls ...

[KungFuGirl]

Firstly, I think you need chill the hec out. Secondly, I am VERY USED TO being called a sexist jerk because I said something that wasn't sexist at all, but the name callers were on the defensive because of something or other.

You say it is sexist to say a woman should or shouldn't work out because of sex appeal. Firstly, Glenchuy didn't say that. And what if he did, if he doesn't like a ripped woman does that affect the woman in any way? Most girls I know say guys should go to the gym to get a little muscle (I've had girls tell em this, but it's my choice if I want to work out for girls or for strength) but they hate those big bulky bodybuilders. No one calls them sexist. I think what's happening is that you're expecting sexist comments and attacking anything that remotely resembles one - and even seeing them when they're not there.

Anyway, enough of that. Back to women and weights. Like I was saying about athletic girls ...

Excuse me? I need to chill out? I wasn't even angry. I was just responding how I felt and why you're the one who is going all psycho all of a sudden.

And why are you bringing in things that girls said outside of this forum? What the heck does that have to do with anything???

In short, I think you suffer from poor reading comprehension and I'm not going to bother trying to dumb down my posts for you so I'm ending this conversation. Good night.

[KungFuGirl]

Whoops.

I didn't look at your profile before.

I didn't realize that you were just a teenage boy. I assumed you were older.

That explains a lot, especially your immaturity, inability to comprehend my posts properly and views on women.



edit: not that all teenage boys are ignorant/immature. lol I don't believe in "agism" hahaha.


edit #2: This thread was suposed to be about women and weight training and the benefits. Then a bunch of guys said "women shouldn't work out too much because then they will look too muscular and unattractive"

If you (you being plural to all the guys in this thread) cannot see why that is entirely inappropriate AND sexist than you are ****ing morons.

Okay. Now I'm done.

[Scarlet Mist]

Whoops.

I didn't look at your profile before.

I didn't realize that you were just a teenage boy. I assumed you were older.

That explains a lot, especially your immaturity, inability to comprehend my posts properly and views on women.



edit: not that all teenage boys are ignorant/immature. lol I don't believe in "agism" hahaha.


edit #2: This thread was suposed to be about women and weight training and the benefits. Then a bunch of guys said "women shouldn't work out too much because then they will look too muscular and unattractive"

If you (you being plural to all the guys in this thread) cannot see why that is entirely inappropriate AND sexist than you are ****ing morons.

Okay. Now I'm done.

Woman, you have some serious issues. That's all. Immaturity? Inability to comprehend your posts? Am I meant to be taking you seriously. Don't make me start anything up in this biya biya ... :D

Anyway, whatever you say Kung Fu Chick

[glenchuy]

I hope that made sense?

oui, je comprends- peace out :)

[Ad McG]

http://www.thestudentsunion.info/system/systempages/file/223/image/drama.jpeg


:D :Angel: :D

[DJHalliB]

I think Adam just nailed this one down right there! :) Loved that pic.

[shotokanwarrior]

And if you're not messing with that, you must be celibate...

Goddammit Scarlet, you have an unnatural obsession with the word 'celibate.'

Originally Posted by Wesker
KFG, you're taking this a little too personal. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If a guy does or doesn't like a woman with muscles, that's his business.
No, actually, Wesker, she's not taking it too personally, I agree strongly with her. There's a reason why there's a lot of men around who like weakness in women. Men, IN GENERAL, judge themselves by other people's standards, and can only consider themselves strong if someone else is weaker than them. So if a woman is strong that's bad for a man who fits into this category, because he feels threatened, so he has to denigrate the strong woman by saying there's something wrong with her or she suffers from 'penis envy' (in modern terms of course). THIS is why it's considered bad for a woman to be muscular. Kung Fu Girl, I know how you feel, in Ireland particularly there's a lot of rather traditional/reactionary ideas about strength in women. I was doing a fitness test in PE at school once, we had to do push ups and the girls had to do them on their knees because "It's not good for girls to be using upper body strength" which is malarkey. If we weren't meant to be using strength we WOULDN'T EVEN POSSESS MUSCLE TISSUE, we'd be nothing more than freaking uteruses. Prehistoric women used their strength, presumably, and I have never heard of skeletons displaying damage(Sorry, I am getting a little emotional here, better cool t or will be stereotyped as an irrational girl). A friend of mine was recently moaning about how fat she was, and I said 'you're not fat, you are just powerfully built' and she replied 'that's not good for a a woman.' The extent of this social conditioning sometimes makes me want to go beat the crap out of all the stupid sexists who perpetuate it just so I could say 'I wasn't too weak to do that was I?' So Wesker, don't be too hard on KF girl, it can be hard believing in yourself when society is telling you you are weak, defenceless, etc.

I have a table from T-nation that you may find helpful
Thanks, KE. I'll save it to disk.

[Ad McG]

'I wasn't too weak to do that was I?'


It would be funny if you got your ass whooped!


Just though I would add to the pointless drama :D

[Scarlet Mist]

Goddammit Scarlet, you have an unnatural obsession with the word 'celibate.'




You're missing the point. It's not about 'celibate', it's about not messing with preceeding concept.

I Know Drama - like TBS.

ShotokanWarrior - Muscle tissue is not only for lifting stuff, but for breathing and digesting food, and other vital functions. So if you didn't have muscle tissue, you'd die. Of course, this has nothing to do with the actual point, but you know ... it's all about Drama.


Adam, how come when you select a picture of 'Drama' to post, you select one with three women? What are you trying to say?

[Dr NinjaBellydance]

I was doing a fitness test in PE at school once, we had to do push ups and the girls had to do them on their knees because "It's not good for girls to be using upper body strength" which is malarkey.

I agree that the 'shouldnt be using upper body strength' thing is cobblers, but I'm not so sure about that push-ups on the knees is such a bad thing for women. If you compare the shape of me with that of an average guy, a fair amount of the guy's weight is in the upper body. Most of my weight is at my hips. This means that when I do standard press ups, most of my weight is in the middle, and is not supported. When a guy does it, the difference in shape means that his weight is better supported, at the top. Therefore, when I do a standard press up, my back bows, due to the weight in the middle and I end up using different muscles and more energy just to keep my body straight. Which is fine, but it does put more pressure on the back, and it is different to what guys do in a press up.:)

As for as the weights and gym thing goes; I dont do it, because it's just dull. Dulldulldull. Also, every gym I've been to has been mostly full of vain, self-obsessed morons in expensive lycra pouting at themselves in the mirror :rolleyes:
I'd rather get fit by doing something interesting with nicer people (like MA)! :D

[RichieRich]

RRrRRrrrrrraaaaRRRrRRrrrrr! I'M ANGRY! I WANT TO SHOUTY-SHOUTY!
wha?


oh, looks like I missed it all...


Playing the "age card" isn't cool..*
and amusing if you are not that old yourself..
I'm hoping to 'get it together' at around 55 or so.. :D



*Please note how I used "cool" to show my coolness and jive with the kids. Is "cool" still cool? I am still cool? Was I ever cool? :p

[Scarlet Mist]

*Please note how I used "cool" to show my coolness and jive with the kids. Is "cool" still cool? I am still cool? Was I ever cool? :p

Cool as the the other side of the pillow :D :cool: :p

[DJHalliB]

Therefore, when I do a standard press up, my back bows, due to the weight in the middle and I end up using different muscles and more energy just to keep my body straight.


Yes, this is completely off topic, but you can try "the plank" to correct posture problems with pushups.
Many men have problems keeping their posture in pushups and end up humping the ground. I even saw someone testing for a bb in tkd who was just plain making love, but I Think I saw his elbows bend a couple of degrees while he did it.

[Poop-Loops]

All I'm going to say is that women shouldn't care about what men think of them, and just train to be strong. There are 2.5 billion men out there, there has to be one who isn't afraid to like a strong woman. That being said, I think women body-builders, the ones who train specifically to get bulky, are ugly. I just don't find anything attractive in a woman that looks like a man who wants to explode. =/

PL

[RichieRich]

Kudos to all who strive to improve themselves.
For me, frustration at not getting results fast enough made me start / stop a few times.. then I had a really good 6 month period - higher energy and all that good stuff... Then I moved and reverted to my old lifestyle. :cry:

[KungFuGirl]

Playing the "age card" isn't cool..*
and amusing if you are not that old yourself..
I'm hoping to 'get it together' at around 55 or so.. :D


I wasn't being serious about the age thing.

However, maybe Scarlet needs to feel what it's like to be discriminated against based on something you have no control over.

[Scarlet Mist]

Self improvement is the way to go, brotha. If a woman wants to train, let her train as much as she wants to. If she allows a man to stop her, that's her fault.





I wasn't being serious about the age thing.

However, maybe Scarlet needs to feel what it's like to be discriminated against based on something you have no control over.


There you go making assumptions about Scarlet. How come Scarlet doesn't know what it is to be discriminated against. Ever heard of racism?

[RichieRich]

However, maybe Scarlet needs to feel what it's like to be discriminated against based on something you have no control over.

Hang on...
*picks up phone*
It’s the U.N. - for you.
They want you on their ‘arbitration and conciliation’ special task force due to your excellent conflict resolution skills and non-confrontational Socratic methods.

Can you fly out to Bosnia on the 15th? They'll send you Business Class...

[KungFuGirl]

Self improvement is the way to go, brotha. If a woman wants to train, let her train as much as she wants to. If she allows a man to stop her, that's her fault.








There you go making assumptions about Scarlet. How come Scarlet doesn't know what it is to be discriminated against. Ever heard of racism?

It always weirds me out when someone decides to talk in the third person.

Well then, I guess you do know what discrimination is like, and yet it hasn't stopped you from becoming that way yourself. Sad.

At least I have the comfort of knowing that you don't live on the same land mass. Do me a favour and never leave your island.

[RichieRich]

It always weirds me out when someone decides to talk in the third person.

Well then, I guess you do know what discrimination is like, and yet it hasn't stopped you from becoming that way yourself. Sad.

At least I have the comfort of knowing that you don't live on the same land mass. Do me a favour and never leave your island.

Er, he's in the States, which I think might be connected to Canada..

[YODA]

At least I have the comfort of knowing that you don't live on the same land mass. Do me a favour and never leave your island.

That was about 2% away from the level of personal attack that will land you in the sin bin.

Enough already.

[Ad McG]

haha, this thread is hilarious. I think all women should check out this totally PC statement from Mr. Chormernly Warner (btw - THIS IS A JOKE!):



"PLEASE READ TEXT FIRST!!

After years of research, scientists have discovered that women do not like the standard mouse given away with PC's. They found that there is not a physical reason for their aversion; it is more of a psychological problem. Some women reported that the mouse 'just didn't feel right' in their hands. Based on the research, a new mouse has been designed especially for women. Various field tests have been carried out on the new design, here are some of the testimonials:

Julie from Hawthorn: "It feels so much better. More comfortable, more like how it's supposed to be".

Susan from Kew added: "I think mice were originally designed just for men, but this new type is definitely made for women. It fits right in with my lifestyle".

Hillary from South Yarra: "I took to it like a duck to water, every woman should have one!!" "


:D :Angel: :D :Angel: :D REMEMBER: IT'S A JOKE!

[glenchuy]

haha, this thread is hilarious. I think all women should check out this totally PC statement from Mr. Chormernly Warner (btw - THIS IS A JOKE!): <snip>

rotflmao...

[tom pain]

LMFAO that pic is wicked! Someone should perhaps tell her to switch on her laptop first. :p

[KungFuGirl]

Er, he's in the States, which I think might be connected to Canada..

"Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Jamaica
Posts: 1,249 "


Last I checked Jamaica wasn't part of the states...

[shotokanwarrior]

but I'm not so sure about that push-ups on the knees is such a bad thing for women. If you compare the shape of me with that of an average guy, a fair amount of the guy's weight is in the upper body

I DEFINITELY disagree. The idea of push ups is to make you stronger, not to make such drastic and ridiculous allowances for your supposed weaknesses that they are severely exacerbated. Anyway, we really are not all that weak that we need to adjust exercises such as push ups. I have a classical so called feminine physique - slim with a heavyset lower section - and I can do normal push ups without any difficulty. Wake up comrade - the fitness industry (and much of society) is keeping us oppressed by feeding us this utter malarkey. Let us rise up and tear the system down!!!!!!!
haha, this thread is hilarious. I think all women should check out this totally PC statement from Mr. Chormernly Warner (btw - THIS IS A JOKE!):

*draws back fist for Gyaku zuki*

[Ad McG]

*draws back fist for Gyaku zuki*


*makes cup of tea while waiting for karate punch to get there, then casually evades*

:D

[Dr NinjaBellydance]

I DEFINITELY disagree. The idea of push ups is to make you stronger, not to make such drastic and ridiculous allowances for your supposed weaknesses that they are severely exacerbated. Anyway, we really are not all that weak that we need to adjust exercises such as push ups. I have a classical so called feminine physique - slim with a heavyset lower section - and I can do normal push ups without any difficulty. Wake up comrade - the fitness industry (and much of society) is keeping us oppressed by feeding us this utter malarkey. Let us rise up and tear the system down!!!!!!!

I dont think its about adjusting exercises due to weakness. I dont consider my shape a weakness just because its different to that of a guy. But it IS different. Press ups are an exercise designed by men to make men stronger, concentrating on the upper body, which is usually more developed than ours. Sure, we can do them, but it may not be the best way to make us stronger. But WE have to conform to THEIR standards, have to prove that we are just as good as them (plus a little bit more, of course :rolleyes: ), using techniques that were specifically designed for THEM. Perish the thought that someone should develop exercises that actually concentrate on specifically making a WOMAN stronger, make them the standard, and watch the guys struggle. It's never gonna happen, because the system is, and always has been, run by men, for men.
Dont get me wrong. I hate it when they push some 99lb scrawny 14 year old boy until he throws up, just because he's a boy and think I'm gonna break just because I'm a girl, despite the fact that I'm clearly far more able to take it than he is.
But I also hate it that that the man's physique is seen as the standard by which we are all judged and that we have to prove that we are as 'good' as them by competing in their world, because anything that women excel over men in (not ironing Adam..:p;)) is seen as being weaker and less important. I know exactly how good I am and dont feel the need to prove it to anyone. If they're dumb enough to underestimate me just because I'm a woman they will learn..:)

[glenchuy]

haha, this is one of the most interesting threads i've read in a long while, drama, action, suspense, and comedy :D ...

this site is awesometastic!

[DJHalliB]

I dont think its about adjusting exercises due to weakness. I dont consider my shape a weakness just because its different to that of a guy. But it IS different. Press ups are an exercise designed by men to make men stronger, concentrating on the upper body, which is usually more developed than ours. Sure, we can do them, but it may not be the best way to make us stronger.

If we leave out the fact that classic pushups don't really make anyone much stronger since its strength-endurance after a certain point, what exercise would you use instead of pushups if you had the option?

Women are NOT at a disadvantage when it comes to doing pushups. But (and I'm not saying this because I'm sexist!) men ON AVERAGE have better adjusted nervous systems making them able to perform more with x amount of muscles. (This is credited to the typically more active lifestyle of men, and should not be considered absolute, as many women are equal if not superior to men considering neuro-pathway development). And thats why women (again) ON AVERAGE perform fewer pushups then men.

So, imo the solution is not to make men do pushups and women do bodyweight squats, as one might think from parts of this discussion, but practice (strength is a skill that needs to be practiced, so some people are actually "better at pushups" then others who have done them less without neccesarily being stronger) doing them.

The famous and controversial "Method" that was used by a group here on the H&F forum a while back can be used to even the playing ground, pushup wise.

Bottom line: IMHO male vs female anatomy has little to do with pushup performance.

P.S. That did not look so long in my head, lots of rambling I guess ;)

[Ad McG]

I dont think its about adjusting exercises due to weakness. I dont consider my shape a weakness just because its different to that of a guy. But it IS different. Press ups are an exercise designed by men to make men stronger, concentrating on the upper body, which is usually more developed than ours. Sure, we can do them, but it may not be the best way to make us stronger. But WE have to conform to THEIR standards, have to prove that we are just as good as them (plus a little bit more, of course :rolleyes: ), using techniques that were specifically designed for THEM. Perish the thought that someone should develop exercises that actually concentrate on specifically making a WOMAN stronger, make them the standard, and watch the guys struggle. It's never gonna happen, because the system is, and always has been, run by men, for men.
Dont get me wrong. I hate it when they push some 99lb scrawny 14 year old boy until he throws up, just because he's a boy and think I'm gonna break just because I'm a girl, despite the fact that I'm clearly far more able to take it than he is.
But I also hate it that that the man's physique is seen as the standard by which we are all judged and that we have to prove that we are as 'good' as them by competing in their world, because anything that women excel over men in (not ironing Adam..:p;)) is seen as being weaker and less important. I know exactly how good I am and dont feel the need to prove it to anyone. If they're dumb enough to underestimate me just because I'm a woman they will learn..:)


haha, you don't even win at ironing, I think the world extreme ironing champions are blokes! :D

The idea of having exercises for women and for men is ridiculous. We have virtually the same structures physiologically, and a forward pushing action is a forward pushing action, it works mainly the pectorals and the triceps for both men and women. There is barely any difference between men and women in this instance, but women need to work harder at them to get stronger because usually their strength base is not as good as a mans. Please give me an example of an exercise that is more designed for women than for men, and tell me why women would excel and men would struggle.

And what "system" is this you're talking about? Exercise and resistance training has been around since the dawn of time, and there are many universal truths about it. As to being weaker - women are weaker, face it, obviously not all women but compare the average man to the average woman and the man will always be stronger. Maximal strength and nearly all physical output capabilities are more advanced in men. It's natural. Women in general have less potential to get bigger and stronger, and that is fact. It is not some "prejudiced male system", it's life.


Glenchuy - you happen to have come in on one of the more eventful threads :D

[Dr NinjaBellydance]

If we leave out the fact that classic pushups don't really make anyone much stronger since its strength-endurance after a certain point, what exercise would you use instead of pushups if you had the option?

Women are NOT at a disadvantage when it comes to doing pushups. But (and I'm not saying this because I'm sexist!) men ON AVERAGE have better adjusted nervous systems making them able to perform more with x amount of muscles. (This is credited to the typically more active lifestyle of men, and should not be considered absolute, as many women are equal if not superior to men considering neuro-pathway development). And thats why women (again) ON AVERAGE perform fewer pushups then men.

So, imo the solution is not to make men do pushups and women do bodyweight squats, as one might think from parts of this discussion, but practice (strength is a skill that needs to be practiced, so some people are actually "better at pushups" then others who have done them less without neccesarily being stronger) doing them.

The famous and controversial "Method" that was used by a group here on the H&F forum a while back can be used to even the playing ground, pushup wise.

Bottom line: IMHO male vs female anatomy has little to do with pushup performance.

P.S. That did not look so long in my head, lots of rambling I guess ;)

That's interesting, thanks your comments. :) That's a fair point, I cant come up with a better alternative, although I admit that sports science isnt my forte! :) You sound like you know your stuff wrt fitness, so I have question for you. It might sound silly, but bear with me! :rolleyes:
Exactly what is the point of doing pressups (apart from to destroy the will to live of course! ;) )?
I know that they work a lot of the abdominal muscles, but I always thought that they mostly worked the upper body; arms and chest muscles. Hence my assertion that men have an advantage as they usually have better developed upper bodies. Is this not the case then?
Also, I'm afraid I'm still not convinced that the weight distribution thing wouldnt be a problem. Logically, I dont see how having most of your weight supported by your arms woudnt give you an advantage over someone who's weight is in the middle and unsupported. I'm not trying to say that women CANT do them, that's obviously not the case, just that I still think it's a disadvantage. I am quite open to persuasion, convince me! :D

Edit: Sorry Adam, you posted after I started my response.

[daftyman]

With refard to this press up thing.

I started to train in my room when I was at uni. My upper body strength was non-existant, so I had to start with my knees on the ground. That was until I had built up the strength to do press ups from my toes.

It was a bit of a blow to my male ego, but I got over it.

P.S. I'm much better at ironing than my fiancée. :p

[Dr NinjaBellydance]

haha, you don't even win at ironing, I think the world extreme ironing champions are blokes! :D


Heh, only men would think of competing in something as dull as ironing! :p ;)


The idea of having exercises for women and for men is ridiculous. We have virtually the same structures physiologically, and a forward pushing action is a forward pushing action, it works mainly the pectorals and the triceps for both men and women. There is barely any difference between men and women in this instance, but women need to work harder at them to get stronger because usually their strength base is not as good as a mans. Please give me an example of an exercise that is more designed for women than for men, and tell me why women would excel and men would struggle.


As I said earlier, I'm not a sports science expert, and I cant really come up with an alternative, but (off the top of my head) as far as exercises that women excel in, pretty much anything that involves flexibility, women usually do better at. Most of the guys in my class really struggle and it seems to take them longer to attain the same degree of flexibility. The well-built stocky guys seem to find this particularly difficult. :)

Heh, man, I'm really not sure where I'm going with this, but it seemed to get out of hand pretty quickly! I guess my original point was that I feel that the distribution of weight makes pushups more challenging for women than a guy of equal size and strength. I appreciate peoples input on this, you obviously are more fitness experts than I am, but I still feel that there hasnt been a convincing argument to dissuade me on this point. The rest of it was just a general rant really, not just about fitness. Like it or not, society is still run on a patriarchal system and I really dont see why I should have to prove myself better than someone else just because of what they have between their legs. Totally off topic, I'll shut up now. :D

[RichieRich]

No-one starches a collar like me.

http://www.extremeironing.com/

I'm sure everyone here can do more pushups, however! :)

[Ad McG]

Heh, only men would think of competing in something as dull as ironing! :p ;)



As I said earlier, I'm not a sports science expert, and I cant really come up with an alternative, but (off the top of my head) as far as exercises that women excel in, pretty much anything that involves flexibility, women usually do better at. Most of the guys in my class really struggle and it seems to take them longer to attain the same degree of flexibility. The well-built stocky guys seem to find this particularly difficult. :)

Heh, man, I'm really not sure where I'm going with this, but it seemed to get out of hand pretty quickly! I guess my original point was that I feel that the distribution of weight makes pushups more challenging for women than a guy of equal size and strength. I appreciate peoples input on this, you obviously are more fitness experts than I am, but I still feel that there hasnt been a convincing argument to dissuade me on this point. The rest of it was just a general rant really, not just about fitness. Like it or not, society is still run on a patriarchal system and I really dont see why I should have to prove myself better than someone else just because of what they have between their legs. Totally off topic, I'll shut up now. :D


Men and women come in all shapes and sizes. The distribution of weight has little to do with how many push ups you can do because 1. the distribution is similar anyway, the "pear shape" idea just will not make a significant difference IMO 2. the average man is heavier than the average woman, so if you want to talk about weight distribution then men have an overall disadvantage, there is just more weight there! Yes, strength and lean weight are proportional usually, but I still think there is very little difference.

As to the flexibility point, this is a total myth perpetuated by people who don't really know what they're talking about, as you so stated. Bodybuilders are often very flexible, the opposite to what most people think. Having muscle does not mean you are "muscle bound" unless the muscles actually restrict the range of motion physically. Women have a very small advantage with certain flexibility attributes in the legs due to a small difference in the anatomy, but aside from that men can be equally as flexible as women with similar training efforts.

[Scarlet Mist]

Good point with the press ups NJB, I think. Women and men are different indeed, a coach told me that women probably have the capacity to do better than men at jiu jitus because of the superior hip strenght and flexibility etc.
But hey, we're better at ironing!


"Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Jamaica
Posts: 1,249 "


Last I checked Jamaica wasn't part of the states...

I'm studying in the US, my home is in Jamaica. The chances of me running into you are negligible. Please, chill the hec out. And I'm not sexist.

[Dr NinjaBellydance]

Men and women come in all shapes and sizes. The distribution of weight has little to do with how many push ups you can do because 1. the distribution is similar anyway, the "pear shape" idea just will not make a significant difference IMO 2. the average man is heavier than the average woman, so if you want to talk about weight distribution then men have an overall disadvantage, there is just more weight there! Yes, strength and lean weight are proportional usually, but I still think there is very little difference.

Ok. Thanks. :)
I was actually not thinking so much in terms of how many push-ups you can do per se, so much as any additional effort by other muscle groups needed to support the weight in the middle before you've even started, but I guess I'm not explaining myself too well. I appreciate your answer, but I just cant get my head round the idea that this mass of unsupported weight in the middle, as opposed to a mass of weight at one end, over the arms, wouldnt have an effect, especially given that women usually have less well developed upper bodies. :confused:
I agree that the average man is heavier than the average woman, but would a good bit of that weight not be made up by muscle mass, therefore contributing towards the support of that additional weight, and woudnt it be less likely to be based around the hips? Most guys I know have relatively slim hips, regardless of their size. Unless the guy was very overweight, in which case the weight would be built up around the abdomen.



As to the flexibility point, this is a total myth perpetuated by people who don't really know what they're talking about, as you so stated. Bodybuilders are often very flexible, the opposite to what most people think. Having muscle does not mean you are "muscle bound" unless the muscles actually restrict the range of motion physically. Women have a very small advantage with certain flexibility attributes in the legs due to a small difference in the anatomy, but aside from that men can be equally as flexible as women with similar training efforts.

Fair enough, I concur to your greater expertise in this field.
But my opinion was based on personal observation and experience, not quotation of urban fallacies. Maybe it was the types of stretches that were done, or the types of other exercise that people were doing outside class, but the men did have noticeably more difficulty with the stretching. Even the guys who had very flexible legs were struggling with stretching in other parts of the body.
Thanks for your response Adam, I'm always glad to learn new stuff!:D
Anyway, I guess I've derailed this thread long enough! :D

[Knight_Errant]

I don't know why we're arguing about pushups when we're talking about strength, anyway. Pushups are an endurance exercise.
Maybe it was the types of stretches that were done, or the types of other exercise that people were doing outside class, but the men did have noticeably more difficulty with the stretching.
I think the key point here is with similar levels of training.
If you (you being plural to all the guys in this thread) cannot see why that is entirely inappropriate AND sexist than you are ****ing morons.

Oh wow, thanks. Some of us try and be fair and give unbiased information, and we get lumped along with the others anyway. Thanks. :rolleyes:

[Ad McG]

I don't know why we're arguing about pushups when we're talking about strength, anyway. Pushups are an endurance exercise.

I think the key point here is with similar levels of training.

Yeah, ironing and bending down to feed the kids and put the shopping away definitely aids flexibility, hence mens lack of flexibility :D :Angel: :D

[Knight_Errant]

:D

[Ghost Frog]

Adam....
http://www.flemingwholesale.com/No_Fishing.jpg


Naughty boy. :D

[Dr NinjaBellydance]

Yeah, ironing and bending down to feed the kids and put the shopping away definitely aids flexibility, hence mens lack of flexibility :D :Angel: :D

lol :D
Naw, I reckon men's inflexibility is down to all the sitting around eating pies and farting! :p :D

[DJHalliB]

The point of pushups is to increase upper body strength-endurance. At least the classic pushups, there are loads of pushup varieties that can be used as a strenght exercise, but after one has reached the high-reps its just endurance. Of course, for someone who does less then 20 pushups, their still a little in the strength training zone.

Many fighters use pushups, situps and bodyweight squats for loads of reps as strength-endurance training for sparring/fighting. (500 bodyweight squats are considered pretty good...give it a go and see what THAT does to your will to live! :)

[Knight_Errant]

I'm more concerned about what it's going to do to my ability to squat my bodyweight.

[Ad McG]

lol :D
Naw, I reckon men's inflexibility is down to all the sitting around eating pies and farting! :p :D


Hmmm.... sounds familiar!

I shall be aiding my flexibility this evening, mainly pint to mouth range of motion and some silly dancing :D

[glenchuy]

lol :D
Naw, I reckon men's inflexibility is down to all the sitting around eating pies and farting! :p :D

boo... :D

[shotokanwarrior]

Naw, I reckon men's inflexibility is down to all the sitting around eating pies and farting!

Hahahaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!

It could also be partly down to their egos - men usually don't like doing anything that's not masculine.

haha, you don't even win at ironing, I think the world extreme ironing champions are blokes!

Who the CRAP would want to be a world champion at ironing?????

[glenchuy]

Who the CRAP would want to be a world champion at ironing?????

why not?! if i win it, at least i'm champion at something! :D

cool pick-up line too.

"hi, i'm (insert name here), i've been practicing (insert style here) for (insert # years here), i'm single, available, and most of all, i'm the 2004 world champion at ironing... :p

[DJHalliB]

Extreme ironing is COOL no matter what anyone says. If you guys think you can iron a shirt perfectly while up to your shoulders in a fast-streaming river...

And that aint girly :)

[KungFuGirl]

why not?! if i win it, at least i'm champion at something! :D

cool pick-up line too.

"hi, i'm (insert name here), i've been practicing (insert style here) for (insert # years here), i'm single, available, and most of all, i'm the 2004 world champion at ironing... :p


LOL! I think this would be much better pick up line then the ones I usually hear. I think I would LOVE a guy that enjoyed ironing since I absolutely hate it!!

lol, seriously, guy who irons=sexy. :love:

[Scarlet Mist]

Two words: "Ironing Palm" :D :D

[glenchuy]

sounds more like a secret striking move to me :D

[daftyman]

Two words: "Ironing Palm"
sounds more like a secret striking move to me
Yeah, creases me up every time! :D

[shotokanwarrior]

Extreme ironing is COOL no matter what anyone says. If you guys think you can iron a shirt perfectly while up to your shoulders in a fast-streaming river...

Who the crap would wanna do that? It has NOOOO USE in real life.

[RichieRich]

Who the crap would wanna do that? It has NOOOO USE in real life.

If you keep it together enough to iron a shirt whilst free-falling, you can already do a lot of things.. :cool:

[Ad McG]

How many of the ladies on here do pull ups?


(let's stop the jokes now!)

[Tika]

How many of the ladies on here do pull ups?


(let's stop the jokes now!)

I could never do a pullup, not even in elementary school when I was twiggy... But I do them with that awesome machine that lets you counteract some of your body weight, so you still get the same exersize even if you cant do all of your bodyweight. Love it....

[RichieRich]

I remember after a period of *massive* unfitness the milestone that was a pull up... That was a rush and a half!

[Ad McG]

I could never do a pullup, not even in elementary school when I was twiggy... But I do them with that awesome machine that lets you counteract some of your body weight, so you still get the same exersize even if you cant do all of your bodyweight. Love it....

How close are you to getting 1 pull up? I would say as soon as you can do 2, start using the grease the groove method to up those numbers by doing multiple sets of 1 throughout the day, making sure you don't fail at all. If you have a bar at home, this is ideal. I went from 5 - 9 in a matter of like 2 weeks. I lost it, but I'm back on the case again!

[Tika]

How close are you to getting 1 pull up?

Im pretty much convinced it will never happen :D . I am COMPLETELY unfit. And it will take me a long time to get there. Still workin on it though.

[Ad McG]

Im pretty much convinced it will never happen :D . I am COMPLETELY unfit. And it will take me a long time to get there. Still workin on it though.

Doubt it. You're only young, and if you put the effort in then you should get there!

[Tika]

Doubt it. You're only young, and if you put the effort in then you should get there!

Im older than you kiddo :D

I know ill get there...just saying it will take a long time...need to get rid of some of this bodyweight if I expect to lift it.

[KickChick]

... and I older than YOU kiddo! :D ;)

I am in better shape now then I was at your age (although I was always slim that doesn't necessarily mean you are "fit")

[YODA]

LOL!

I'm between the two of you but nearer KC in age.

I'm also, I'm ashamed to say, in the worst shape of my life - by a LONG way :(

[Kinjiro Tsukasa]

I'm older than any of you, and in miserable shape. Sigh... what a long road ahead of me. How do you lift weights when you can't even lift the weights, if that makes any sense.

[RichieRich]

As Yoda pointed out at the start.. If you can lift more than you did 3 months ago, you're doing GREAT. Plus - if the trend continues, you will ultimatley be the worlds strongest person! :D

Dont get too hung up on the amount - its not you vs Joe or You vs the world - its You vs You - find a weight that takes some effort - but doesn't kill you!

This seems good advice:
http://www.teamflex.com/build_muscle/weight_training_guide.asp

[Mrs Owt]

I'm older than any of you, and in miserable shape. Sigh... what a long road ahead of me. How do you lift weights when you can't even lift the weights, if that makes any sense.
I know what you mean. When I had a broken knee and my cardio was going downhill FAST I was in the same situation. You need to be able to run or bike or something to work your cardio - but I couldn't do any of it!! Same with weights, the trick is to find someone who is extremely knowledgeable and get them to adapt a program to your needs. That is what I did, otherwise it would have been a viscious circle.

[KickChick]

How do you lift weights when you can't even lift the weights, if that makes any sense.


As I mentioned on page 1 .... "weight training not only builds stronger muscles in us older women, but also builds stronger connective tissues and increases joint stability.... it has also been shown to ease the pain of osteo arthritis."

If you need further incentives here are a few more...

*Muscle strength of older women increases quickly during the initial three months of training, then plateaus.

*Older women can carry out prolonged moderate to high intensity resistance training with reasonable compliance and resulting slow-and fast-twitch muscle fiber enlargement.

*Exercise has shown to be an effective means of weight control by increasing energy requirements (at rest and during exercise), decreasing body fat, and maintaining metabolically active tissue in healthy older women.

It doesn't matter if you're 40 years old or 75 years old. If you don't build muscle, you'll lose muscle.... it is as simple as that!
Unfortunately, we cannot change the fact that we are getting older, but you can control, to some degree, the rate at which you age.... this I have found to be absolutely TRUE.... thank the lord!!! :D

From adulthood into middle age, you do lose approx 6.6 pounds of lean muscle mass during each 10 years.

Certain studies have shown that muscle mass may decline by 20% to 40% in older women.

So use it or lose it! :D

[Kinjiro Tsukasa]

As From adulthood into middle age, you do lose approx 6.6 pounds of lean muscle mass during each 10 years.

Certain studies have shown that muscle mass may decline by 20% to 40% in older women.

Accckkk! The footsteps you hear are me running (OK, walking ;) ) to the gym!

[KickChick]

... grab some dumbbells and walk ;)

[Ghost Frog]

How many of the ladies on here do pull ups?I've recently started working on pull-ups again. I used to be able to do five underhand and 3 overhand a few years ago, but I stopped doing them after a neck injury.

I tried again recently and found I can't do any!! :cry: It's partly loss of strength and partly 'cos I'm two stone heavier than I used to be. (It's all muscle, honest. :D )

Anyway, I've gone on a mission to get good at them again, so I started really working the lat pull-downs at the gym, moving up towards my bodyweight. I was making good progress with this, but now I've done my knee in, so I can't walk to the gym. (more :cry: ). But, I've used the sympathy vote to persuade my hubby to let me put up a pull-up bar at home ("...it wrecks the door frame...") :) and I've started using that, doing hangs, negatives and full-ones with my legs on a chair taking some of the weight off.

The plan is to be able to do them again before I'm back training, which could be a couple of months. Anyone got any more tips for me to build up to full ones again? I'm doing a (seated) free-weights routine at the moment as well, but can't get to the gym at all. Feel free to post suggestions for a routine. :D

[Ghost Frog]

Oh, and for all you women who want to do weights and need a bit of moral support, here's the best site going:

http://www.stumptuous.com/weights.html

I know it's been posted before, but it's worth a repeat. :)

[KickChick]

Anyone got any more tips for me to build up to full ones again?

http://b_movie.tripod.com/in_shape.htm
On this site (scroll to the botton) ... I do pull ups as shown in the first 2 pics done on my bench (I really should get a pull-up bar but as you said GF it does wreck the door jams ;) )
Also on that site you suggested (which I do like thanks for sharing!) .... is an exercise called "fat guy hangs" (gotta love that name ;) )Its a grip exercise that uses your own bodyweight.
Hang from a bar, grabbing it with a comfortable grip (they suggest a parallel grip, where palms are facing one another), and hang there while timing yourself. If you can get over a few minutes easily, then add some weight with a dip belt, wearing a weighted backpack, or by holding a plate between your knees.

Some of the exercises on this site ....http://b_movie.tripod.com/in_shape.htm mentioned above are poorly portrayed. If anyone does try any of them do be sure never to have your front knee go past your toes.... at best they should align or knee should be behind toes so as not to injure your knees!

[shotokanwarrior]

If you can lift more than you did 3 months ago, you're doing GREAT.

I can lift more than I could just one month ago...8kg is like lifting a goddamned feather, no not even that, NOTHING, and I have no more discs for the dumbbells. Soddit.

I'm also, I'm ashamed to say, in the worst shape of my life - by a LONG way

I'd share information about myself, but I'm way too subjective. A friend of mine says I look like Carrie Anne Moss because of my super-hard body, but I think my ass is like pure lard.

EDIT: How come this thread is open again? Did Keanu Reeves descend in his long black coat and miraculously bend MAP to his will? *goes into a reverie over Keanu*

[Ad McG]

I can lift more than I could just one month ago...8kg is like lifting a goddamned feather, no not even that, NOTHING, and I have no more discs for the dumbbells. Soddit.



I'd share information about myself, but I'm way too subjective. A friend of mine says I look like Carrie Anne Moss because of my super-hard body, but I think my ass is like pure lard.

EDIT: How come this thread is open again? Did Keanu Reeves descend in his long black coat and miraculously bend MAP to his will? *goes into a reverie over Keanu*

You have KC to thank for re-opening, and me to thank for sending a drunken PM saying what a faschist she is! haha, sorry KC :D :Angel: :D

[budogirl]

I had an induction at the gym at work today and there's an assisted chin/dip machine (I think Tika mentioned this in an earlier post) which I have never seen before. I really want to use it but apart from what the PT instructor showed me, I am clueless. When I start using the gym this week/ next week, I want to try it.

I don't know if you can just use the equipment without weights.

Any advice much appreciated! :D

[daftyman]

I used an assisted chin and dip m/c at the gym I used to go to. If you weren't shown it, the thing is the higher the weight the easier it will be. So you'll want to start this one off quite high. Not so sure about the other ones. Just ask one of the assistants for help. They should be more that happy to give advice about each machine.

[budogirl]

Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately there won't be any instructors around as it's a work gym - once you've had your induction, you're on your own!
I'll pester another gym user instead :D

[Knight_Errant]

What about negatives? wouldn't that enable you to do full, unassisted pullups if you stuck with it?

[budogirl]

I don't understand... :confused:
I am happy to do assisted pull ups until I build strength to do unassisted but I don't understand what the weights with the machine are there for. I am worried that I'll try to use it for the first time and embarrass myself!! :D

[Knight_Errant]

The weights are there to counter your own weight and decrease the load.

[Ad McG]

Basically the less weight that you put on, the harder it will be. If you use your own bodyweight then you are in effect lifting nothing.

[KickChick]

B If you use your own bodyweight then you are in effect lifting nothing.

hmm ... then why do body weight exercises huh??? ;)
:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :bang:

[Tika]

hmm ... then why do body weight exercises huh??? ;)
:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :bang:

He's talking about with those pullup machines. Where you kneel on pads....you set the weight to what you want to subtract from your own body weight.

[KickChick]

Ack! MACHINES!!! :bang:

[Ad McG]

Yeah, I meant if you set the weight on the machine to the same as your bodyweight then you are lifting nothing :D

[budogirl]

Aha! Thanks guys :D Will try it tomorrow...

[shotokanwarrior]

makes cup of tea while waiting for karate punch to get there, then casually evades*

Nice one, Adam. You got me. Except for one thing. I said I'd drawn back my fist...I never said I'd actually launched it.

*nails him in the solar plexus while he's drinking his tea*

Never mess with a hardcore feminist, Adam. (Now who was it who called me that?)

[shotokanwarrior]

All right, guys. I plead guilty to the manslaughter of this thread.

[creamcheese]

Hi Yoda,
Lots of good advice, but I don't agree with you on the bulking up.
I trained with weights for 4 years, 3 times a week (without a break). I had a personal trainer and my programs were changed every 6 weeks. I was rock solid everywhere and I bulked up big time. Even when working on Endurance, the weights I used were very heavy. The liquid Creatine I was taking before each workout (my idea alone)obviously helped that situation but when I entered the Martial Arts I discovered my workout program was detrimental to the style of Kung Fu I practiced. I had to tone it down with the weights (on the advice of my Sifu) and as I discovered, it was the right thing to do. I believe weight training is very beneficial for women and men, however, I would advise anyone practicing Martial Arts and weight training, to find a trainer who understands the Martial Arts, show him exactly what you practice, so he can tailor your workout programs accordingly.

[Ad McG]

The problem is, many "sifus", "masters" or just plain old instructors don't know squat about weight training or only know basic bodybuilding stuff. Any strength training program that doesn't leave you over training with your MA will not be detrimental to any style of fighting. I agree on finding someone who knows the 2 worlds, though they are sometimes hard to come across.