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I bought a set of small dumbbells yesterday from Argos, and a gym mat. Was doing weights while watching TV. Are the weights only good for my upper body or is there any way I can work out other parts of my body using them?
Smith machine is one of these things (prevents me from toppling over)
I used to use the smith machine alot when i was first training, i found that when i later went on to the freehand bar i was having trouble with the balance of the bar because i was so used to the smith machine. Its a good idea to use both, but the smith machine has plenty of other uses too.
Don't forget your front squats
Just trying to locate a very good article I read about the advantages of this over normal squats for various reasons...
Were you looking for this article in t-nation? Googled, just about to read it
My training uses a mix of both front and 'normal' squats (I have done for ages), and my trainer really likes the front one. It's very true that it's pretty much 'forgotten'.
I never use the Smith Machine. Restricts engaging the core and other muscles used for stability.
It's well worth it.
You'll use much lower weights due to the positioning of the bar, but it's soooooooooooooooo effective
Give him a punch
What you will find, is that with the front squats you will feel it a lot more on your inner thighs, leading up to your groin.
As the article mentions, try going past the parallel stage (legs parallel to the floor) and go slightly deeper. You can also go right down as far as you can.
Try counting for 6 seconds as you descend, wait for 2 seconds at the bottom, then driving through the feet and exploding upwards.
So many variations to choose from, and swapping them around will achieve better results.
Ensure you have a slightly wider stance than you may normally take for maximum stability. You'll find that the front squat keeps your back much more upright than the standard squat, and so the balance thing could feel a little odd at first.
After a small hiatus after my snowboarding accident (I now have a full range of movement with no pain and was given the all clear) yesterday was a workout from hell. Last time I worked my upper body, I was about to up the weights, but now, it looks like I'll be sticking with the same ones as it was a real struggle, couldn't even finish my last set on the bicep curls, oh the shame.
Had a chat with the instructor who said it shouldn't take too long to get back, but still all that hard work :grump:
He showed me the squat with the bar, and the front squat too
Anyone else been working out? Progress?
Anyone brave enough to give the 300 workout a go? I'm tempted once I get back to my former glory.
25 pull-ups
50 deadlifts at 135 pounds
50 push-ups
50 box jumps with a 24-inch box
50 "floor wipers" (a core and shoulders exercise at 135 pounds)
50 "clean and press" at 36 pounds (a weight-lifting exercise)
25 more pull-ups -- for a total of 300 reps
Ah - you'll soon be up to speed again! Amazing how it comes back - muscle memory
That 300 workout thing looks tough. I've been doing far too much drinking recently and not enough fitness. Must get back on it and then I'll think about attempting that!!
I think I'll have to up the ante on the cardio though. I might even have to consider using the... treadmill :nervous:
How many bars are their available in your gym?
I only end up using the smith machine for squats because there is only 1 main bar in my gym, sucks really
Can't see them doing that, there isn't enough space for it either. My membership is nearly up so im likely to scout about for another
Injuries are horrible, but yay to exercise again. Keep us posted
I gave in and hit the treadmill on Saturday for my HIIT. Handled it surprisingly well. Listening to hard dance is the only way to survive it :crazyeyes
I *hate* the treadmill... in fact any cardio in the gym I hate.
Since somebody nicked my much loved bike last week, my cardio options are limited ATM
They will until I get my hands on them
Hehehe, I suspect they'll be having a long rest period after that
Upper body workout was much better today. Managed to up the weights with my tricep thing, will hopefully be bicep curling more weight next week.
Had a guy come up to me saying how much he admired seeing a woman in the free weights section
Cardio tomorrow, then trying out the deadlift on Wednesday...
Make sure you get somebody to show you the deadlift - it's one of those you need good form on or you could do yourself a lemon!!
Nice!
It's good that they're interested in what you're doing!
This is the first Monday in over a month where I've not been utterly wiped out from the weekend and so I'm looking forward to giving it a bit of pastie when I get there tonight