Is weightlifting worth it?

Omega-13 · Post by **Omega-13** » 2004-01-18 05:19am

Does anyone here regularly workout here?
more than cardio I mean, but body building or power lifting?

Do you guys find that it is a waist of time, the muscles degenerating and all after only a few weeks, almost seems like a viscious cycle...

Superman · Post by **Superman** » 2004-01-18 05:34am

Hey, what's up? I am a body builder and pro wrestler. I've been lifting for about 3 or 4 years now. If you want to see what I look like, check out the profile for 'andy_b_goode' at Yahoo.

Ok, first of all, it's not just lifting weights. Lifting is only about 30% of this lifestyle. The other 70% is diet. You can lift until you die but if you don't eat a body building diet, you will probably just get frusterated and quit. I eat smaller high protein meals every 2 hours. And then there are supplements...

Is it worth it? For me it is. I have traveled all over the place to wrestle and I just came from some gigs in Japan. I'm currently 6'4" and weigh in at about 265 lbs. My body fat is very low.

There are some disadvantages. First of all, it's not always easy being big. I can't sleep on my side, for example, and my lower back sometimes hurts from the weight being carried on it. The big one is money. I spend ALOT of money every month on groceries and supplements...

The bottom line is that it's a big commitment. If you are serious about gaining some muscle mass, you are going to have to make some big changes in your lifestyle. There's no way around it.

Hope that helps.

Omega-13 · Post by **Omega-13** » 2004-01-18 05:38am

hey a quick question,i'll have more tomorrow,
why can't u sleep on your side?
i thought that was only reserved for large mammals!

ArmorPierce · Post by **ArmorPierce** » 2004-01-18 05:38am

only person that body builds at these forums that I know is Superman who answered while I was typing. I can't do body build since I'm a distance runner and all that extra weight would just slow me down and get me tired quick. I wouldn't body build anyways though :p

Superman · Post by **Superman** » 2004-01-18 05:40am

Yeah, and Armor, I'm a pretty pathetic runner. I can do it, and I do a sometimes, but nothing like those thin toned guys that run for long periods of time. Running is a great way to burn fat though...

I can't sleep on my side because my shoulders are too damn big. I once woke up partially on my side, and the circulation to my arm was cut off. That sucks...

ArmorPierce · Post by **ArmorPierce** » 2004-01-18 06:24am

Yeah, running is a real great way to burn fat. Freshman year of highshcool when I started running seriously I went down from 135 to 113

. That's me at 5'8" so that was friggin light, fortunately I beefed up some over the summer between freshman and sophmore year of hs.

While we're at ask Superman. How long did it take you of lifting hard till you started seeing a difference? Also if you don't lift for a while (lets say a month) is it easy to get back at your previous state? I know when I was off from running for a month back in highschool cause of injury and then I went on vacation that my parents took me on that after the initial difficulty I was able to get it back quickly.

Post by **Vympel** » 2004-01-18 06:37am

If you're going to do weights, focus on your lower body as well as your upper body. The amount of people I see at the gym who look ridiculous because they haven't been near a leg apparatus of any sort is quite amusing.

InnerBrat · Post by **InnerBrat** » 2004-01-18 07:18am

Working with weights serves more purpose than increasing body mass. I use weights occaisonally (depending on the programme I'm following) and do strength-based exercises (BodyCombat) regularly. cardio is essentially useless without it.

Superman · Post by **Superman** » 2004-01-18 07:23am

Armor, I jumped into my diet and weight routine at about the same time. Since I am naturally more of a fat ass, I started putting on muscle weight within only a couple weeks. Bulking up is easy for me, keeping the fat off is what was hard. Remember, diet is essential.

Genetic predesposition plays a big part in this. I myself am an easy gainer, but some people are naturally thin. They have a much harder time packing on muscle weight than somebody like myself.

Saurencaerthai · Post by **Saurencaerthai** » 2004-01-18 12:53pm

I lift not only to help my muscle strength, but also because it can help increase bone density, something that can be quite useful in later years.

Admiral Valdemar · Post by **Admiral Valdemar** » 2004-01-18 12:59pm

My arms are my worst muscles. My legs are brilliant for my size (about 183cm, weigh around 65kg) as I usually do cycling and a lot of walking, but my arms are lame. I have noticed a flatmate, who is a real health freak, has dumbbells, so I may give them a shot.

I don't want nor need to be big, I like being agile, but I'd like more power to my arms at least.

Tsyroc · Post by **Tsyroc** » 2004-01-18 01:28pm

As someone who at times lifted weights semi-regularly while I was in the Navy I'd say that even if you only do it for an hour 3 times a week it's worth it just because it contributes to your overall wellness and fitness. It will help your strength, stamina and flexibility and you'd be surprised at how much better your life will be in the long run if you stick to even some moderate form of regular exercise.

Lifting weights doesn't necessarilly have to be the full blown body-building thing. I certainly never came close to putting that much effort into it but I still think its a good thing. Even if you already do a lot of cardio a little strength training can do you some good. Strength and flexibility are very helpful in avoiding injuries as you get older. You'd be surprised how easy it gets to pull something or throw something out of wack when you are in your 30s and out of shape.

There are other ways to get some of the results that comes from lifting weights but unless you really hate to lift I think it's worth it to lift as long as it's not some piecemeal thing that you do when you feel fat or want to get that "ripped" look before some girl sees you naked.

It's never too soon to start a good habit.

Joe · Post by **Joe** » 2004-01-18 01:52pm

I'm taking a weight-training class this semester, having never really lifted weights or even worked out on a regular basis, and I gotta warn you; it fucking hurts, and it's hard to get used to. I still haven't managed to build up the necessary endurance to go for very long. I've got good genetics - my dad was pretty much the ideal physical specimen when he was my age - but I don't know if I'll succeed yet.

Also, I'm not looking to become really ripped or anything like that, just to be nicely toned. Do I really have to go through the whole diet thing?

HemlockGrey · Post by **HemlockGrey** » 2004-01-18 03:36pm

Is there a way to improve upper-body strength through weightlifting *without* spending massive amounts of money on all manner of foods and supplements?

Also, can anybody recommend cardio excercises (other than running, of course, which I assume is the best way).

YT300000 · Post by **YT300000** » 2004-01-18 04:44pm

Now my turn to ask a question. I'm tall and skinny (not as skinny as many 14 year olds, but still), but in pretty good shape, and I exercise everyday. One thing that annoys me is that my ribs are pretty visible when I take my shirt off. Any way I can fix this?

Wicked Pilot · Post by **Wicked Pilot** » 2004-01-18 04:49pm

I lift weights to help inprove my tolerance to high G environments. I used to PT five times a week, but now that I work 60 hours a week, I seldom get to PT on the weekdays. But back to the topic at hand, yes weight lift. Weight lifting and exercise are your friend.

phongn · Post by **phongn** » 2004-01-18 06:15pm

HemlockGrey wrote:Is there a way to improve upper-body strength through weightlifting *without* spending massive amounts of money on all manner of foods and supplements?

You don't actually need supplements, but you must ensure that you have adequate protein to build muscle mass.

Also, can anybody recommend cardio excercises (other than running, of course, which I assume is the best way).

Swimming, bike riding, etc.

General Zod · Post by **General Zod** » 2004-01-18 06:34pm

weightlifting is a great way to improve upper body strength, but the type of lifting and frequency imo would really depend on what you're going for. are you aiming to be lean and toned or just 'buff'? if it's 'buff' then you definitely need to eat properly with lots of heavy lifting, though for toning moderate lifting seems to be the best. it's been awhile since i've actively weight-lifted, but this is what i've gotten from experience at least.

InnerBrat · Post by **InnerBrat** » 2004-01-18 07:06pm

HemlockGrey wrote:Is there a way to improve upper-body strength through weightlifting *without* spending massive amounts of money on all manner of foods and supplements?

Just eat high protein food and work on the upper body muscles.

Also, can anybody recommend cardio excercises (other than running, of course, which I assume is the best way).

class aerobics (sorry, but I find a regualr class forces me into a routine)

One thing that annoys me is that my ribs are pretty visible when I take my shirt off. Any way I can fix this?

Work on your core muscles (abs and back).
Chest press/push ups/crunches/lats/those ball things.
As you have very little fat in the area, you should see a result quicker than those of us who need to lose the fat around our muscles.

Saurencaerthai · Post by **Saurencaerthai** » 2004-01-18 07:23pm

Joe wrote:I'm taking a weight-training class this semester, having never really lifted weights or even worked out on a regular basis, and I gotta warn you; it fucking hurts, and it's hard to get used to. I still haven't managed to build up the necessary endurance to go for very long. I've got good genetics - my dad was pretty much the ideal physical specimen when he was my age - but I don't know if I'll succeed yet.

Also, I'm not looking to become really ripped or anything like that, just to be nicely toned. Do I really have to go through the whole diet thing?

Are you sure you're not overlifting? If you're really sore after every session, you might need to back off a little. Low weight/high repetition is what you should be doing if you want to get more endurance/tone.

As for diet, well, the phrase "you are what you eat does have some validity." Small things, such as avoiding fried foods and cutting back or stopping drinking soda can help.

HemlockGrey · Post by **HemlockGrey** » 2004-01-18 07:26pm

Swimming, bike riding, etc.

Anything I can do in the winter? (I'm not aerius, I don't enjoy biking for five hours into freezing winds)

General Zod · Post by **General Zod** » 2004-01-18 07:29pm

there's gyms that have heated indoor pools. and stationary bycicles as well. plus treadmills.

InnerBrat · Post by **InnerBrat** » 2004-01-18 07:30pm

HemlockGrey wrote:
Swimming, bike riding, etc.
Anything I can do in the winter? (I'm not aerius, I don't enjoy biking for five hours into freezing winds)

*points at previous post*

Or the crosstrainer, or a rowing machine, or running up and down the stairs...

aerius · Post by **aerius** » 2004-01-18 08:38pm

HemlockGrey wrote:Anything I can do in the winter? (I'm not aerius, I don't enjoy biking for five hours into freezing winds)

Sex.

But really, go skating and play some hockey, you'll be surprised how tired and sweaty you can get after half an hour. It's a bit hard on your back muscles so don't overdo it. Right now I'm playing pick-up games of hockey with friends & co-workers almost every day, I can feel myself getting stronger every week.

HemlockGrey · Post by **HemlockGrey** » 2004-01-18 08:43pm

Class aerobics are a bit...impractical, given my situation. I do have these weird sort of "skiing" machine in my basement, I could give that a try.

Can't skate. I'm an idiot, yeah, but I have tried to learn how for years and have never, ever done it, which is a damn shame since there is a skating rink literally six blocks from my house.

Are shuttle runs good? I hear good things about shuttle runs. Mostly I'm looking for excercises that burn off fat. I'm fairly strong and I'm certainly not overweight, but I'd like to trim off a bit, plus build stamina.