Women and weightlifting - how do you picture it?

g'em

Ok, so TOTAL abuse of Mod powers going on here but how and ever

I posted in the Fitness forum a couple of days back looking for some feedback - long story here but short story is that I'm the Ladies Development Officer for the Irish Amateur Weightlifting Association and my role is exactly what it says on the tin: to develop ladies weightlifting

But first, I need to figure out how weightlifting is perceived by women.

So...

- What do you understand by the term "weightlifting"
- What kind of images does women lifting weights conjure up to you?
- Have you ever done any?
- If you did, did you like it?
- If you haven't, would you?
- Do you think it has any benefits/ disadvantages?

Cheers all

Xiney

- What do you understand by the term "weightlifting"

uhhh... weight lifting? like, lifting of free weights or using weight lifting machines, I guess.

- What kind of images does women lifting weights conjure up to you?

Even though I know it's not true, the stereotype of russian steroid pumped women who look a bit manly does still get conjured up.

- Have you ever done any?

Yup

- If you did, did you like it?

Yes and no. I'm pretty lazy. I don't like moving much. I'm a bit of a slug.

I generally have to trick myself into exercising for utilitarian aims - cycling to work, working in a laundry or walking the dog, that sort of thing.

When I was doing it regularly though I loved how it made me feel, even though I had trouble motivating myself to do it.

- If you haven't, would you?

N/A

- Do you think it has any benefits/ disadvantages?

I think weightlifting is probably the best exercise anyone can do. Anything that builds muscle is the quickest (and most lasting) way of losing weight or gaining health. I know all this...... but I am a slug

Emme

g'em wrote: »

But first, I need to figure out how weightlifting is perceived by women.

So...

- What do you understand by the term "weightlifting"

It can be two things - using light weights in the gym as part of a fitness regime to build power and change body composition or actual powerlifting itself which requires time commitment and dedication.

g'em wrote: »

- What kind of images does women lifting weights conjure up to you?

It depends on the level of weightlifting involved. It can be women doing ordinary sessions in the gym or professional women weightlifters who go on special high-protein diets and have a very defined physique.

g'em wrote: »

- Have you ever done any?

I do weights two or three times weekly in the gym. Bench press, squats, lunges etc.

g'em wrote: »

- If you did, did you like it?

Weights are part of my fitness regime.

g'em wrote: »

- Do you think it has any benefits/ disadvantages?

Definitely - weights done properly give a toned and feminine shape. For example, it really defines the upper body, gets rid of bingo wings and makes the pectoral area surrounding boobs look great. I've had people ask me if I had a boob job (I haven't ) and I put my shape down to regular use of weights.

jellie

g'em wrote: »

- What do you understand by the term "weightlifting"

the lifting of weights.. to define/improve muscles/strength.. dunno really

g'em wrote: »

- What kind of images does women lifting weights conjure up to you?

honestly... before meeting you i pictured women weighlifters as something like this:


i just didnt know of any women weightlifters and pictures like that are pretty much all id ever come across. I am happy to report you changed my perception of that :o

g'em is NOT an orange giant

g'em wrote: »

- Have you ever done any?
- If you did, did you like it?

nope

g'em wrote: »

- If you haven't, would you?

hmm. i dont know. i cant imagine myself ever being fit/strong enough to do so. i know that strength obviously develops as you train, but i just cant picture myself ever being able for it.

but i guess it depends what you mean. if you meant pretty light work thats more for toning rather than strength than i guess i would (i am aware i could be talking complete rubbish here)

g'em wrote: »

- Do you think it has any benefits/ disadvantages?

benefits id guess would be strength, fitness, toned body..
disadvantages.. i dunno. effort? :P

rainbow kirby

- What do you understand by the term "weightlifting"
My mental image straight away is of the Olympics, or of rugby players lifting in the college gym. Really though - any sort of weight training.

- What kind of images does women lifting weights conjure up to you?
Awesome Crossfit girls and women who lift to benefit other sports they do. Not gonna lie and say that the bodybuilder image doesn't come to mind though.

- Have you ever done any?
I've only done the usual machine stuff, never really used free weights.

- If you haven't, would you?
Honestly, I'd love to give it a go. I know that my lack of core strength probably contributes to running injuries, and doing some good solid lifting would be one way of possibly sorting that out.

- Do you think it has any benefits/ disadvantages?
Injury prevention as mentioned, plus it would help to improve speed and power. It might help me to lose some weight too, because I seem to have pretty much plateaued.

MissMotivated

- What do you understand by the term "weightlifting"
Using free weights, machines, bodyweights, incorporating compound lifts

- What kind of images does women lifting weights conjure up to you?
Before I found the Fitness forum my image would have been like the pic posted above but now I think, lean, very low bodyfat %, defined muscles, the kind of body I want!!! I now know it takes major work for women to build muscle

- Have you ever done any?
Yep was in a gym up to February (but moved towns and haven't been able to afford to rejoin one yet) and I had a weights programme which included isolations and compounds

- If you did, did you like it?
I loved it, I loved testing myself by increasing the weight each week

- If you haven't, would you?
N/A

- Do you think it has any benefits/ disadvantages?
Building strength would be a benefit but the main one for me would be I've learned muscle burns fat so the more muscle the better!! But I've also learned that it is damn hard for women to build lean muscle, we will not end up with bulky arms after a week!!!! As soon as my funds permit I will be rejoining a gym and doing weights again.

SheRa

- What do you understand by the term "weightlifting" - lifting weights
- What kind of images does women lifting weights conjure up to you? +1 to Jellie's post. Before I met you G'em I would have thought that all women weightlifters were big and masculine looking. I now see that they can be neither, in fact quite the opposite, they can be petite and feminine.
- Have you ever done any? Yep, and will be going back to them once my chest infection is gone.
- If you did, did you like it? Loved the buzz of gradually getting stronger and seeing more muscle definition
- If you haven't, would you?
- Do you think it has any benefits/ disadvantages? Huge advantages, cant think of any disadvantages, as long as you warm up properly

More positive images in the media of women weightlifters would go a long way to improve the perception of the sport.

alwaysadub

g'em wrote: »

Ok, so TOTAL abuse of Mod powers going on here but how and ever

I posted in the Fitness forum a couple of days back looking for some feedback - long story here but short story is that I'm the Ladies Development Officer for the Irish Amateur Weightlifting Association and my role is exactly what it says on the tin: to develop ladies weightlifting

But first, I need to figure out how weightlifting is perceived by women.

So...

- What do you understand by the term "weightlifting"
- What kind of images does women lifting weights conjure up to you?
- Have you ever done any?
- If you did, did you like it?
- If you haven't, would you?
- Do you think it has any benefits/ disadvantages?

Cheers all

What do you understand by the term "weightlifting"
Lifting weights. I'd usually associate it with body building and men though for some reason

What kind of images does women lifting weights conjure up to you?
Bodybuilders. Maybe thats because i saw a female bodybuilder on This Morning this morning though!

Have you ever done any?
I do small hand weights just

If you did, did you like it?
Yes

If you haven't, would you?


Do you think it has any benefits/ disadvantages?
I use them to build back up the muscles in the top of my back.

SugarHigh

Not going to fill out the survey because it's not applicable to me but I just thought I'd post this here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6az9Kb0B-I

SheRa

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Oh my god she's 72!!!!! She looks 20 years younger.

NoDice

What do you understand by the term "weightlifting"
Lifting weights in a gym... Not trying to be smart but I don't have alot of knowledge about weights and fitness etc.. :o


What kind of images does women lifting weights conjure up to you?
Huge stereotype I know and really don't mean to be insulting but pretty much what everyone here is saying..



I think it's a bit scary...


Have you ever done any?
Most i've lifted were small dumbells for a bit but didn't have the motivation to keep it up. I've tiny little arms.. Couldn't hurt a fly if I sat on it and couldn't hold onto a rope even if I had someone holding me up!


If you did, did you like it?
N/A


If you haven't, would you?
No because of my perception of it. I know I could look into it on google or something but I'd take more on board if someong was to discuss it. Was hoping you'd post a bit about it!


Do you think it has any benefits/ disadvantages?
I'll be honest as before and say I genuinely don't know anything about weightlifting. I'm guessing it would build up your strength and tone you up but I really have a misconception about the whole thing and connect it, subconsiously, with extreme body building and an abundance of fake tan..

Sorry if I've insulted anybody. Would love to hear your version of things.

Morgase

- What do you understand by the term "weightlifting"
Just two weights on either end of a rod. I presume that in competitions whoever lifts most wins. I know nothing more!

- What kind of images does women lifting weights conjure up to you?
I would have thought bodybuilder types, but from seeing g'em's posts in TLL talking about physique or something a while back, I realised that wasn't really true.

- Have you ever done any?
No.

- If you haven't, would you?
Yeah it sounds awesome. I'd like to have good strong arms because they are really weak in comparison to my legs (purely because the legs get used).

- Do you think it has any benefits/ disadvantages?
Advantages: see above. Can't see any disadvantage to it, other than my having to change my current slug* lifestyle. I'm a bit afraid of gyms though.

*shamelessy stealing this excellent word from Xiney

Ginny

- What do you understand by the term "weightlifting"
Lifting Weights:D
- What kind of images does women lifting weights conjure up to you?
TBH no real images pop up, I know some people would think of the stereotypical bodybuilding pics, but I've met you, but before you I've watched a good few women lift in the gym and they're not the bodybuilder shape.
- Have you ever done any?
Dabbled, no big weights though.
- If you did, did you like it?
I love it, I wish I was better at it though.
- If you haven't, would you?
- Do you think it has any benefits/ disadvantages?
Huge benefits, muscle burns fat, weightlifting = more muscle mass...:D

g'em

This has pretty much confirmed what I was afraid of

Thank you so, so much everyone for contributing - I should probably have left more replies come along but I'll be away from the computer all weekend and this thread will probably be long buried at that stage! The perceptions that most people seem to have of weightlifting and what it does to women are as I thought, and it's such a huge shame for me to see it. BUT this is what I'm going to be looking at trying to change, even in a small way, so your feedback is completely invaluable.

You can divide lifting weights into four categories:
* Lifting weights for fitness/ weight loss/ lookin' good nekkid Most people, guys and girls, do it for this reason.

* Powerlifting - this is a competitive type of weightlifting where there's three lifts: the deadlift, the bench and the squat. It's based on pure strength. Girls compete in weight classes: 44kg, 48kg, 52kg, 56kg, 60kg, 67.5kg, 75kg, 82.5kg, 90kg, 90kg + Obviously the lighter girls are petite and strong, the heavier girls tend to be bigger and stronger

* Bodybuilding - this is when people lift to get big muscles and then diet down to strip their body of fat. Girls who bodybuild tend to look a little... well, freaky. These women look like this because of chemical enhancement. It is virtually impossible for a woman to look like this naturally, and she has to train very, very hard and very specifically to do so. But there's also a classification of bodybuilding called Fitness and/ or Physique in which girls maintain their femininity but still aim for good muscle tone and low body fat. These girls have a softer, gentler silhouette, but still use lifting to achieve it. These girls are often the ones you see on Zest and Oxygen and women's fitness magazines when they're off-season (i.e. not preparing for a competition)



* Olympic weightlifting - this is what I do, and this is what I'm in charge of trying to develop (but in an ideal world I'd love to alter perceptions of lifting for girls as a whole!). This aspect of lifting is the only part that's recognised as an Olympic sport and it has two lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk. Just like with powerlifting there's weight classes: 48 kg (106 lb), 53 kg (117 lb), 58 kg (128 lb), 63 kg (139 lb), 69 kg (152 lb), 75 kg (165 lb), and over 75 kg. This sport is all about technique and strength, and the girls who lift in it defy belief when you look at what they can do vs how big they are.

One of my favourite lifters is Ruth Kasirye of Norway: weighing in at under 69kg (10.5stone) this girls can put 130kg (20.5stone) above her head. I had the great privilege of lifting beside her when I was representing Ireland at the Eleiko Women's Grand Prix in Austria last yea and I can guarantee you she doesn't look anything like a freak


So, what are the benefits of lifting?

You look fcuking awesome. No really, you do Fair enough, the looks above may not to be of everyone's tastes, and I totally understand that. But the above takes dedication, and in all honesty the health benefits that I've felt from lifting greatly outweigh the aesthetic ones.

You age better.

You can do everyday stuff easier.

You reduce your risk of osteoporosis.

You feel like an absolute legend

Lifting stuff doesn't make you bigger. Eating too much makes you bigger But women have one-tenth of the testerosterone that guys do which means that you can lift and lift and lift and you will never get bigger. You'll get stronger, lots and lots stronger, but not bigger.

I'm going to be plugging away trying to change people's mindsets about lifting (oh you'll be sick of me in no time!!) and I think it really does boil down to this idea that women have that as soon as they start to lift they'll get big and bulky and huge. Well, I've had national records, world records and lifted for my country and I look like this. Not exactly model material, but not a freak either

There ARE huge women who lift, but they're the minority, very, very, very much the minority. But don't take my word for it, these are some of the comments made by the girls in the Fitness forum:

Assests Model wrote:

Aaaargh yes I'd tried that along wtih living on rice cakes and diet coke and it didn't seem to be working so when I discovered crossfit I decided I'd nothing to lose. I was pretty damn skeptical inititally and scared of the barbells and worried I'd get arms more like vin diesel than Michelle Obama. But when I saw that everyone else there looked pretty normal I stuck with it and it was great fun. I think the fact that crossfit do proper stuff rather than boring things like bicep curls helps.

I've taken to weightlifting so much that now that i've emigrated I've joined an olympic lifting club in Germany. I'm still ****e but I really enjoy it.

jakeypooh wrote:

I have been lifting weights for 13 years. I was lucky in that the gym I joined originally had lots of girls competing at the time and it gave me the drive to look like them
I lost 3.stone with weight watchers that same year and have kept it off and have continued to train since that initial joining of the gym
Have always lifted and have gone from lifting really heavy to concentrating on running for different events
I am back lifting heavy as I can again and LOVE it, far prefer to to CV and how it makes me look

G86 wrote:

I first started weight training because cardio just wasn't working, and I wasn't happy with my shape. I started training with Transform 3 years ago, but I've definitely become far more into it in the past year, I love hitting new PR's the the deadlift is my baby. My normal training would consist of strength days and metcon days which include Squats, Deadlifts, Push Press, Bench Press and then the likes of one arm rows, lat raises, inverted rows, bicep curls, KB swings, push ups, tri dips and ab work. I love doing crossfit WOD's and they're a huge part of my training now and a major motivational factor in getting my ass to the gym.

At the moment I'm trying to focus on getting the weight up on my lifts and also to learn a bit more about my training in the process, so I've started the Stronglifts 5x5 Program which I'm doing along with metcon days also. My weakness is that if I can't do something it demotivates me, a recent example would be OH Squats and Powercleans! I really am the kind of person that needs someone to stick with me for an hour with the one lift and just go over it again and again til I'm confident that I'm doing it right. Once I have that confidence in it then I'm flying!! I've left these to the side now with Stronglifts but I'm well aware that there are alot of lifts I need to work on still. Transform is well used to me at this stage, our conversations normally go along these lines: 'I can't do it', 'G just do it', 'I can't do it!', 'Just fecking do it!' - til I eventually realise I CAN do it and then decide it's my favourite lift haha!

My goals have changed alot since I first started; at the start I just wanted to lose weight, I didn't care how and I had no interest in why I was doing certain exercises as long as they got me to that end goal. But now my goals have completely changed, I really get excited about my workouts, I WANT the weight to go up and if it doesn't it pisses me off! I started off at 23% bodyfat and would have been happy to get it down to 20%, now I'm only happy if it's under 15% and I hope to god I never see 20% again! I'm so much more confident now than I was 3 years ago, sure my stomach might still have a bit of a wobble, but I dammit I can deadlift 100kg and run 10k - so I think I'm doing pretty good

smoggy11 wrote:

I started weight training consistently in about February. I had always been unhappy with my shape, it didn't matter how skinny I was, I always had saddlebags and slight love handles. Even whenI was at my smallest I still had them!

I had put on a lot of weight and to be honest was disgusted with how I looked. My boyfriend is big into weight training so he convinced me to go. I had already learnt most of the lifts from previous failed attempts to get in shape so I was able to start upping the weight quite quickly.

I am SO happy that I went! My body is getting there shape wise, the saddlebags are diminishing as we speak and I'm so much more confident in my body. I really can't recommend weight training enough.

I can understand why girls don't really go in for weight training though. Just today I was talking with a collegue about being in the gym and things and she said that I shouldn't lift too much weight, as I would end up huge and muscley. I corrected her, but I think that is the common misconception.

Even in the gym, I sometimes get such strange looks from men when they see me in the 'mens' weight area. Especially when I'm squatting more than some of them

Morgase

G'em if you don't mind, would you give an outline of what you do in terms of training?

Do you have to do any running and stuff like that or is it literally just lifting the whole time? (I really have no clue when it comes to fitness stuff!) When I say "just lifting the whole time" I don't mean that in a negative way; the opposite really because that sounds more fun to me than running on a treadmill and such like.

g'em

Course I don't mind, if anything it's hard to shut me up about this stuff I just lift, (and the way you said it doesn't sound negative at all!) - I train 3-5 times a week (ideally, the last few weeks have been manic and I was injured so twice a week for maintenance) and each session is usually 90-120 mins long. But I've been training mostly for competitions, and so if I was to shift my focus and just train to look good and feel great (it's as worthy a reason as any other ) then I'd probably do 2-4 sessions a week at about 60-90 mins a piece.

I don't run, don't do cardio, don't really tend to do much unless it involves lifting stuff - I did Muay Thai there for a month or so after Christmas and really loved it but I didn't have the time to do it and weightlifting. I don't need to tbh - weightlifting is quite intense and it's a full-body workout, so you don't need to do much else as long as you give it 100%. Oh and I eat like a horse but I eat pretty well (well involves chocolate and ice cream though )

But for someone who was starting out going to the gym for 45 mins 3 times a week would be perfect - as long as you gave it socks the girls quoted above, G86 and Assets Model, both do Crossfit style workouts, which are short, intense workouts that involve lots of bodyweight work and lifting stuff as well as a dollop of cardio, and they're perfect for someone who's short on time or has a short attention span like me If I didn't weightlift I'd more than likely do Crossfit.

Oh and it's SO much fun!!

I'm a weightlifting coach and if I get enough interest I'll actually do a try-out session sometime for free for any girls who'd like to give it a go

FouxDaFaFa

- What do you understand by the term "weightlifting"?

Lifting weights. I'm a literal person.

- What kind of images does women lifting weights conjure up to you?

Either the scary pumped-up female weight-lifters or, for some reason, a woman trying to lift one of those weights with the long bar (that you lift over your head, no idea what they're called!) and it falling or something.

- Have you ever done any?

Yes, I've lifted some small dumbells in the gym.And used some of the weight machines.

- If you did, did you like it?

Yes, I felt like it was making me stronger.But I stayed away from the free weights because I didn't really know how to use them to work particular muscles. I use the machines because it has labels telling you what part of your body they work on.

- Do you think it has any benefits/ disadvantages?

Definitely. They get your heart going, increase your strength and help with toning.(Or so I imagine).

Bonito

g'em wrote: »

Ok, so TOTAL abuse of Mod powers going on here but how and ever

Nazi! *reports post to cmod*

But first, I need to figure out how weightlifting is perceived by women.

Now, I know you said women, but I like posting in interesting threads so hope you don't mind.

So...

- What do you understand by the term "weightlifting"

Weightlifting is using weights during exercise to stregthen/tone your body

- What kind of images does women lifting weights conjure up to you?

I don't see it as a masculine thing for a start. Just shows they have a regime in place to tone up/increase strength. Could be for a sport they play.

- Have you ever done any?

Yup. Have shown female friends exercises etc too.

- If you did, did you like it?

Yep, I love it! So did my friends and a couple even kept it up. If you don't make it enjoyable then what's the point?

- Do you think it has any benefits/ disadvantages?

Loads of benefits. From physical appearance, stamina increases to increases in self confidence. Also, increased compliments.

Cheers all

You're welcome.

Silverfish

Let me have a go

g'em wrote: »

So...

- What do you understand by the term "weightlifting"

Lifting weights, then heavier weights, then heavier ones.

- What kind of images does women lifting weights conjure up to you?

Well, I did know the difference between weightlifting and bodybuilding, weightlifting always conjured up thin toned women who had thighs like mine but theirs didn't wobble :pac:

- Have you ever done any?

Yes, once.

- If you did, did you like it?

Yes, yes I did. Especially the 'You can't lift that.... oh look, you can' bit.

- Do you think it has any benefits/ disadvantages?

Benefits, yes. Can't think of any disadvantages, apart from people's attitudes and potential injuries.

I'm a weightlifting coach and if I get enough interest I'll actually do a try-out session sometime for free for any girls who'd like to give it a go

ME ME ME ME ME ME ME

Stheno

g'em wrote: »

I don't run, don't do cardio, don't really tend to do much unless it involves lifting stuff -

This appeals greatly, I'm generally ok fitness wise, but want to be stronger and more toned, and hate machines/running/cycling/stepping and those strange ski type machines, the only thing I have ever enjoyed in a gym has been the weights element.

Also being over 35 I want to do everything I can to offset osteoporosis, build up my strength and generally feel stronger.

I'm a weightlifting coach and if I get enough interest I'll actually do a try-out session sometime for free for any girls who'd like to give it a go

ME! ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME :pac:

rainbow kirby

g'em wrote: »

I'm a weightlifting coach and if I get enough interest I'll actually do a try-out session sometime for free for any girls who'd like to give it a go

**** yeah. Would definitely be up for this.

Wibbs

SugarHigh wrote: »

Not going to fill out the survey because it's not applicable to me but I just thought I'd post this here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6az9Kb0B-I

Oh. My. Goooood.

SheRa wrote: »

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Oh my god she's 72!!!!! She looks 20 years younger.

That lady, right there is living proof that "black don't crack". Add in her dedication, humility and humanity in trying to help others and wow, just wow. If I was 20 years younger and 10 times better looking, I'd still be pushing my luck just saying hello Serious inspiration.

rainbow kirby wrote: »

**** yeah. Would definitely be up for this.

You've started a movement G'em. Good too on so many levels. They say opposites attract, well Im living proof . A fair few of my exes were major gym bunnies and I did notice a few diffs as an outsider. Among these very fit people the ones who did more resistance training/weights rather than pure aerobic were overall the fittest. And as a side order and male opinion, the fittest. What threw me back then were the weights involved. Not the 1 Kg type of weights but the heavier stuff. TBH What really impressed were the weights some of these women could lift in a squat. Unreal. Not one of them or their mates was "muscley" either.

Beffy

g'em wrote: »

I'm a weightlifting coach and if I get enough interest I'll actually do a try-out session sometime for free for any girls who'd like to give it a go

I'd be up for that!

I used to row at novice level. We used to do weight circuits. Found them tough but I liked them. My strength is in my legs. Not as strong now as I was back then unfortunetly.

Do you take protein supplements g'em? Like those milkshakes?

Dudess

I just picture it as a run-of-the-mill gym exercise - the weights in my head are always pink though...

I haven't done it and I'd like to, as I'm good for regular cardio/healthy diet, but not so much resistance training, and it's supposed to be great for firming up.

The Big Red Button

- What do you understand by the term "weightlifting"

Well, pretty much what it says on the tin, really! The lifting of weights, either gym machines or freeweights ...?

- What kind of images does women lifting weights conjure up to you?

I can't say I'd really necessarily associate it with the stereotypical images of female bodybuilders. I mean, I'd just think of weights being lifted ... by a woman ... no particular "images" as such.

- Have you ever done any?

I've never done free weights, I've done a wee bit of weight training in the gym, nothing too serious!

- If you did, did you like it?

Well, yes, but I didn't keep it up unfortunately.

- If you haven't, would you?

- Do you think it has any benefits/ disadvantages?

Benefits - Hell ya, I'd imagine so ... I couldn't list the specific benefits, but I'm sure there are plenty, like with any sports.

Disadvantages - I'd imagine it would be a bit tough on the joints? Can't think of anything else though ...

g'em

Beffy wrote: »

Do you take protein supplements g'em? Like those milkshakes?

(I'm writing this from my phone at silly o'clock so apologies for not replying to all points )

I take them now and again - if I need to dial in my diet and increase my protein intake I'll have a protein shake afte working out - protein shakes are just that, milk protein in powder form and I treat them as food. They don't bulk you (unless you drink too much, then the extra cals are no different to extra cals from chocolate or chips), they're just food in liquid form that your body finds super easy to digest after training.

tbh the vast majority of people don't need them, they just need a healthy protein-rich diet. If you're on the go a lot or your a vegetarian who struggle to get enough protein they're super handy though

Am LOVING Reading all this feedback folks, thanks so much, and I'll definitely look into having that trial session if the interest is there!

metaoblivia

I'll have a go, if you don't mind!


- What do you understand by the term "weightlifting"

Anything from lifting weights casually in a work out, to Olympic weightlifting, to bodybuilding

- What kind of images does women lifting weights conjure up to you?

I think of the girls I see in the gym lifting free weights - some are toned, some are trying to get toned. Just normal people.

- Have you ever done any?

A little bit, yes, but not intensely. I'm not fond of weight machines, but I like small free weights and have a pair at home.

- If you did, did you like it?

Yeah, for the most part. You definitely "feel it."


- Do you think it has any benefits/ disadvantages?

I think weight lifting can have a lot of advantages. Personally speaking, I have a cartilage disorder (EDS, hypermobility strain) that makes my joints weak. So having strong muscles to support my joints is very important for my health, long term, and weightlifting helps develop that.
The only disadvantage - and I'm not even sure disadvantage is the right word - is that my right elbow is really effected by my disorder and some lifts that are comfortable on the left arm aren't comfortable on the right arm because of the joint. So I have to make adjustments. Also, just generally, I'm not sure what exercises work the best for my situation, which should be avoided, how much I should be extending, etc.

shakencat

g'em wrote: »

Am LOVING Reading all this feedback folks, thanks so much, and I'll definitely look into having that trial session if the interest is there!

keep me informed,

I weight train..

for myself...
not to compete..
although i do go to bodybuilders competitions and have considered the physique and figure comps..

my trainer is trying to hint at me that he wants to train me for next years comp..

but ive 'not picked up on the hint'

haha:)

Orla K

- What do you understand by the term "weightlifting"
I think of free style with the bar but I know that's not just it (can't think of what is it)

- What kind of images does women lifting weights conjure up to you?
I don't actually think of the muscle bound woman, I think of this. I think this only stuck in my head because years ago I saw a competition on tv and it her gender was fairly ambiguous, spent ages trying to figure out was it a big kinda girly man or a big kinda manly woman:o (The photo I've shown looks nothing like the woman I say but they had a similar build)


- Have you ever done any?
I've used weight machines, never free weights, unless you count me throwing around a weight ball for fun.

- If you did, did you like it?
Yes I actually love it and, I miss it now. I wouldn't be able to do the one in the pic my knees are too bad even without a weight over my head I wouldn't be able to get up without falling over:o

- Do you think it has any benefits/ disadvantages?
Healthier, stronger, it feels good when you can add more weight
I'd be worried about bluking up. I'm not slim (somewhere between 10-11st) so I'd be worried about adding muscle and not losing fat.

banshee_bones

g'em wrote: »

What do you understand by the term "weightlifting"

Lifting the real heavy stuff!!

- What kind of images does women lifting weights conjure up to you?

the scary ripped ones in above said pictures!

- Have you ever done any?

Yep, in two different gyms were part of my workout. Machines and freeweights.

- If you did, did you like it?

Eh to be honest I didnt feel like I was getting anywhere! Im a bit of a cardio whore and I think I like that I can see the results alot quicker. Didn't like the standing in front of the mirror craic either! I know why you have to do it but (to me! ) it smacks of narcissism! :D Sorry!

- Do you think it has any benefits/ disadvantages?

Oh Im certain it does but I bore easily and on the lazy days in the gym it would always be the first thing to be dropped in my work out.

Xiney

I wish there was a women's gym with free weights and weight machines, etc.

The worst part about weight lifting is having to wander into that area, the one with all the guys who don't seem to have jobs (or necks) but spend all their time in the gym, probably because they take 10 minutes between each set but they have their towel draped over the piece of equipment that they intend to use for the next two hours, even though you'd really like to use it and get on with the rest of your day....

banshee_bones

Xiney wrote: »

I wish there was a women's gym with free weights and weight machines, etc.

The worst part about weight lifting is having to wander into that area, the one with all the guys who don't seem to have jobs (or necks) but spend all their time in the gym, probably because they take 10 minutes between each set but they have their towel draped over the piece of equipment that they intend to use for the next two hours, even though you'd really like to use it and get on with the rest of your day....

^^^LMFAO

I forked out a significant amount of money when I lived in Galway to go to a smaller gym so I wouldnt have to deal with the masses and it worked! There were never any mre than me and four other people in the gym at at the same time! but i know the type you are on about and its why I didnt take membership up at the very large popular gym on the dublin road that attracts alot of members of sporting teams from the locality aswell!

Posy

What do you understand by the term "weightlifting"
Lifting free weights, like dumbbells- or weightlifting competitions.
What kind of images does women lifting weights conjure up to you?

• Sometimes, an incredibly fit, toned woman.
• A butch female prisoner in jail lifting weights or the orange veiny scary bodybuilder types. I'm not daft though, and know that I could lift weights religiously for the next 5 years and would never look like that! (thank God) :P
• Women lifting tiny pink weights thinking they'll actually make a difference to their physique.

Have you ever done any?
I have two 5kg dumbbells at home. I have heavier weights to attach to them if I build up my strength. I do a few basic exercises with them a few times a week.
If you did, did you like it?
Yes, although I'd prefer to know more, like how to 'tone up' my whole body with weights, not just arms. I haven't the funds to join a gym though!
If you haven't, would you?
N/A
Do you think it has any benefits/ disadvantages?

• Pro: Being fabulously toned with great thighs. (the dream)
• Pro: Being fit and healthy.
• Pro: "Of course I can open this jar/lift this suitcase, you silly boy."
• Con: I've heard it can strain your heart so I'm afraid of lifting more than I should. I think I'm just freaked by the weightlifting competitions I've seen where people's veins are popping, their faces are bright red and they look ready to keel over. :eek:
• Con: I don't know how using dumbbells can tone up my abs/thighs.. maybe it's just gym equipment that'd do that..
• Con: (Embarrassing) Actually buying dumbbells. I had no idea how, once I got them, I'd be able to lift a box of heavy weights out of the shop and proceed to get them home!

Incidentally, this site helped me figure out some basic free weights exercises.

Magic Eight Ball

I hope I'm not imposing but with all this talk of women and weightlifting I'd really like to share a video with you ladies.

It's a woman weight training post pregnancy for amazing results.
One of the most inspiring videos I've ever seen, a must for all you ladies on the fence or worried about using weights.

Enjoy..

http://www.icechamber.com/videos/mgcomeback1.html

Wibbs

:eek::eek::eek: after a caesarean:eek::eek::eek: Bloody hell! Man between her and the "granny" previously posted. Talk about inspiring.

You would think more women would be doing weight training rather than cardio. It has one singular advantage in that if you build more muscle tissue, it burns calories just sitting there, so you dont have to be watching the diet so much. It seems to get results faster too, from what Ive seen of exes who got into it. And it doesnt seem to take as long per session either.

Now this is just my experience and as such hearsay, but one thing I did note was it got rid of or seriously reduced cellulite. In one woman I knew who was very aerobically fit(runner type) but was concerned about her cellulite, when she got into weights because of a running injury it was very noticeable how much it reduced. Slight increase in testosterone/human growth hormone explain this?*awaits G'ems knowledge*

banshee_bones

Wibbs wrote: »

It seems to get results faster too, from what Ive seen of exes who got into it. And it doesnt seem to take as long per session either.

Really?Do you think so!? because that was my main problem with it! As I said above im a total cardio whore and I like the fast results I see from that, (example being spinning where you can burn anything up to 800 calories in an hour!)
I don't think I really got anything from the weights and then I moved to Dublin and cancelled my membership so didnt stick at it. Might give it another try

Snowie

Magic Eight Ball wrote: »

I hope I'm not imposing but with all this talk of women and weightlifting I'd really like to share a video with you ladies.

It's a woman weight training post pregnancy for amazing results.
One of the most inspiring videos I've ever seen, a must for all you ladies on the fence or worried about using weights.

Enjoy..

http://www.icechamber.com/videos/mgcomeback1.html

wow . thas pretty cool


im sorry i dont mean to hog the thread, but you can do weights and not bulk out like a hulk, thats a massive concern I have as I would liek to be strong er but keep my agility and flexability presumably its the type of excerises you do and diet or ?

G86

banshee_bones wrote: »

Really?Do you think so!? because that was my main problem with it! As I said above im a total cardio whore and I like the fast results I see from that, (example being spinning where you can burn anything up to 800 calories in an hour!)
I don't think I really got anything from the weights and then I moved to Dublin and cancelled my membership so didnt stick at it. Might give it another try

You were prob just lifting too light if you didn't see any benefits. Try getting under a 50kg barbell and see if you don't break a sweat:D Seriously though, there are lots of ways of making your weights workout more cardio efficient, the likes of supersets and crossfit workouts would be the main thing to look at.

You should definitely give it another go!:)

banshee_bones

G86 wrote: »

You were prob just lifting too light if you didn't see any benefits. Try getting under a 50kg barbell and see if you don't break a sweat:D Seriously though, there are lots of ways of making your weights workout more cardio efficient, the likes of supersets and crossfit workouts would be the main thing to look at.

You should definitely give it another go!:)

emmmmm 2 x 4KG wouldnt be able for much more than that after a few reps (probably should mention that I have been called noodle arms in the past ) going to go into college gym this week and see what the set up in there is like...

Posy

banshee_bones wrote: »

emmmmm 2 x 4KG

I lift 5kg and find it really hard! Guess it's a matter of gradually building up your strength!

G86

banshee_bones wrote: »

emmmmm 2 x 4KG wouldnt be able for much more than that after a few reps (probably should mention that I have been called noodle arms in the past ) going to go into college gym this week and see what the set up in there is like...

Ah no you definitely would, you underestimate yourself! And sure the squat is all about your legs anyways so it'd be perfect for ya You should go in and ask one of the instructors to teach you the basics like the squat, deadlift, and benchpress - you can even start all of them off with dumbbells and move on to a barbell when you're more comfortable. I know myself you can feel like a nob in the gym if you're unsure about what you're doing, but even get out your sweeping brush at home to practice the technique if it'd make you feel more confident about doing them. Sure I was even doing that myself this evening trying to practice Overhead Squats!

Just to give you an example, this is a crossfit workout I do sometimes: 5 Deadlifts, 10 Burpees, 400m run x 5 rounds. You could do workouts like that and time yourself so that each time you go you have your own personal time to beat and you can see yourself improving

*hope this isn't veering off topic too much Gem!

banshee_bones

G86 wrote: »

Ah no you definitely would, you underestimate yourself! And sure the squat is all about your legs anyways so it'd be perfect for ya You should go in and ask one of the instructors to teach you to squat, deadlift, and benchpress - you can even start all of them off with dumbbells and move on to a barbell when you're more comfortable. I know myself you can feel like a nob in the gym if you're unsure about what you're doing, but even get out your sweeping brush at home to practice the technique if it'd make you feel more confident about doing them. Sure I was even doing that myself this evening trying to practice Overhead Squats!

Just to give you an example, this is a crossfit workout I do sometimes: 5 Deadlifts, 10 Burpees, 400m run x 5 rounds. You could do workouts like that and time yourself so that each time you go you have your own personal time to beat and you can see yourself improving

/googles terminology

ummmm baby steps! havent been in a gym now in over 6 months! love the buzz i get from a cardio workout even though I know I need the weights aswell. will ask the trainers in college when I go in during the week at the very minimum I need to get the fitness level back up as I will be climbing some volcanos and possibly doing some gorilla trekking this summer!

Larianne

g'em wrote: »

I'm a weightlifting coach and if I get enough interest I'll actually do a try-out session sometime for free for any girls who'd like to give it a go

Defo up for that G'em!

What do you understand by the term "weightlifting"
Lifting any kind of weights, although I know there's different types of weightlifting.

- What kind of images does women lifting weights conjure up to you?

I used to think it was only butch girls who looked like the women in pictures posted previously. But that has changed.

- Have you ever done any?

Yep. When I lived abroad I got myself a PT and he was all about the weights. I really got into it and enjoyed it. I prefer doing weights as I have dodgy knees so I have to be careful with what exercises I can do.

- If you did, did you like it?

See above. I haven't been to the gym in about 6 weeks due to exams but I love going to the gym and pushing myself with the weights and seeing my muscles working. I can also name my muscles now.

- Do you think it has any benefits/ disadvantages?

Definitely great advantages. Look and feel better. You have a sense of achievement when you lift heavier weights or increase your reps.

Only disadvantage, in general, is people not doing the exercises properly. I always ask an instructor if I'm not sure on an exercise.

Xiney wrote: »

I wish there was a women's gym with free weights and weight machines, etc.

The worst part about weight lifting is having to wander into that area, the one with all the guys who don't seem to have jobs (or necks) but spend all their time in the gym, probably because they take 10 minutes between each set but they have their towel draped over the piece of equipment that they intend to use for the next two hours, even though you'd really like to use it and get on with the rest of your day....

I always just ask can I just do my reps and it's grand.

banshee_bones wrote: »

emmmmm 2 x 4KG wouldnt be able for much more than that after a few reps (probably should mention that I have been called noodle arms in the past ) going to go into college gym this week and see what the set up in there is like...

I go to the same gym. Ask for Niamh. She's brilliant. I just wanted a programme for weights and she did it out for me and she spent two sessions showing me it all.

Xiney

Larianne wrote: »

I always just ask can I just do my reps and it's grand.

Yeah but I'm the doughy girl who shouldn't even BE in the gym because I'm f*cking up the view :P


Seriously though, I feel out of place in gyms already, meatheads terrify me (not because I think they're going to hurt me but because I know they've decided that people like me should be exterminated) and having to ask mr surrupticiously flexing in front of the mirror while he paces around red faced and sweaty if I could please use the machine he's gaurding... not fun.

Larianne

Xiney wrote: »

Yeah but I'm the doughy girl who shouldn't even BE in the gym because I'm f*cking up the view :P


Seriously though, I feel out of place in gyms already, meatheads terrify me (not because I think they're going to hurt me but because I know they've decided that people like me should be exterminated) and having to ask mr surrupticiously flexing in front of the mirror while he paces around red faced and sweaty if I could please use the machine he's gaurding... not fun.

Hey, I'm not Jessica Alba's body double by any standards! ha. And I totally understand what you mean. When I joined a new gym a year or two ago I went in to use the weights. In a totally different section to the cardio area and ALL guys. I had 2 choices - go in and use the weights or walk past and use the treadmills for ever and ever. I luckily told myself to cop on and went into the weights.

I honestly believe that its all in our heads! Guys in the gym are too worried making sure they are lifting right to care about us girlies.

I've asked guys can I share equipment and them me and it's been no problem!

Xiney

yeah I know, I used the weights.


I still think it'd be a good idea to have a women's gym with weight lifting equipment, instead of curves or whatever it is that doesn't seem to have any equipment at all.

PeakOutput

Xiney wrote: »

Yeah but I'm the doughy girl who shouldn't even BE in the gym because I'm f*cking up the view :P


Seriously though, I feel out of place in gyms already, meatheads terrify me (not because I think they're going to hurt me but because I know they've decided that people like me should be exterminated) and having to ask mr surrupticiously flexing in front of the mirror while he paces around red faced and sweaty if I could please use the machine he's gaurding... not fun.

if you just imagine how insecure they must really be it makes it way easier trust me

the great thing about weights v cardio is that it keeps your metabolism jacked for up to 3 days later so your constantly burning extra carbs wereas your metabolism can return to normal 12 hours after doing cardio

its good to see a thread like this with people being open girls have such a fear of the free weights and getting big its hard to even broach the subject cause you know they arent going to listen

having said that i have 4 weeks of soul destroying cardio work coming up so i can lose some winter fat its not going to be fun

banshee_bones

Larianne wrote: »

I go to the same gym. Ask for Niamh. She's brilliant. I just wanted a programme for weights and she did it out for me and she spent two sessions showing me it all.

Thanks hun! Will do!

Madame Razz

g'em wrote: »

1.What do you understand by the term "weightlifting"
2.What kind of images does women lifting weights conjure up to you?
3.Have you ever done any?
4.If you did, did you like it?
5.If you haven't, would you?
6.Do you think it has any benefits/ disadvantages?

1. Lifting weights; dumb bells, bar bells, that sort of thing

2. Doesn't conjure up many images tbh; I suppose I might expect the women who were doing it to be quite well built; but I know that's not necessarily the case.

3. Yes; nothing too big tho

4. Yes; I loved it; it's something I want to get back to; but this year has been a disaster healthwise and previously a back injury was holding me back. It's on my 'to do' list once I get back to full health this year

5. N/A

6. I saw a huge benefit in doing resistance training; and I really enjoyed it. I've never got the whole 'OMG you can't do weights you'll bulk up' paranoia anyway; plus I loathe cardio. I think a lot of gyms are to blame for the negative 'press' that female weight lifting gets; I joined a beautiful gym before Christmas that has a specialist weights room, and I must say that I was pretty much actively discouraged from even going into the room; there was a sort of 'That's more for men now you wouldn't be interested in that' attitude' 'Come over here and let me show you the cross trainer instead'. We can benefit so much in so many ways from resistance training and gyms should actually encourage that; rather than encouraging an ill informed stereotype

I'd love to do more; and with bigger weights; I'd actually love to do a trial as offered in this thread; I doubt being in Galway would be conducive to that tho:)

Assets Model

Wibbs wrote: »

:eek::eek::eek: after a caesarean:eek::eek::eek: Bloody hell! Man between her and the "granny" previously posted. Talk about inspiring.


Now this is just my experience and as such hearsay, but one thing I did note was it got rid of or seriously reduced cellulite.

Yes that is soooo true.

speedboatchase

I prefer not to picture it tbh