Recently started lifting weights a few months ago. Now arm hurts, wtf? [more inside]
posted by nomadicink on Dec 11, 2009 - 14 answers

How often should I lift weights? and when I do, how much weight should I lift to achieve my goals? [more inside]
posted by miraimatt on Dec 1, 2009 - 13 answers

For a few months, I have a total of 30 minutes at the gym in the morning (not counting shower) at three times a week. (It's a long story.) I know this is not much at all. I am a 25 lbs overweight guy and would like to get a bit leaner. I don't expect quick results. I have asthma but control it with inhaler so I can "trot" a bit on the treadmill so far. I can't (yet) flat out run for long periods without asthma/poor shape affecting me. I am very familiar with the gym and various weightlifting exercises. I am not sure how to make the best of my time, though. At all. Within a month I would like to bump it up to 45/1hr in the gym and 4 times a week. (and then later, 5 days a week.) But for now, do you have any solid advice that works for you? [more inside]
posted by snap_dragon on Nov 22, 2009 - 21 answers

Equipment for doing serious (weighted) back extensions at home? [more inside]
posted by madmethods on Jul 26, 2009 - 13 answers

Is there any reason that barbells would be indispensable from a serious stength-training program? Or are dumbbells just fine? [more inside]
posted by Vorteks on Jul 1, 2009 - 12 answers

I am getting soreness/discomfort in a strange place while doing squats: on the outside of my right leg only, 4-6 inches above my ankle. I'm returning to weightlifting after a year off with unrelated shoulder injury, and this happens with very little additional weight beyond just the bar. Should I be stretching, starting with less weight, or something else?
posted by stopgap on Jun 6, 2009 - 10 answers

A trainer at my gym recommended this workout and I'm not entirely sure it's safe or effective or the right one for me. I've itemized the routine below, but in short it involves both upper and lower body workout every day, Monday through Friday, three sets of 10 -12, with one muscle group off per day after what he considers the toughest exercise for that body part. [more inside]
posted by mizrachi on Dec 17, 2008 - 19 answers

I have three days a week and approx. 1 hour 15min. I am about 30 lbs over weight but eating healthy. I know I need to do cardio and I like weights. Anybody have a workout plan that they can suggest for 3 times a week? (I hope to go 4 eventually but this is the time I have). The only exercises I cannot do are military presses do to a rotator cuff issue. So with this limited time and stretching thrown in, what is your advice/opinon? Feel free to share with me your workout program. I am in okay shape but still in the walking stages of cardio. I am rather strong but am not looking to get more muscular....rather to get lean, if possible. I would hire a trainer but cannot afford it at this time.
posted by snap_dragon on Oct 27, 2008 - 15 answers

I want a booty and thighs like Serena. Help me get there. [more inside]
posted by notjustfoxybrown on Oct 24, 2008 - 14 answers

Are there any good DVDs or books that teach you exercise as a way of understanding and having fun with your body? I'm looking for a system whose focus is not primarily on losing weight or being healthy but on learning about your body and being able to do cool things with it you couldn't do before (gain better balance, stand on your head, improve your ability to drag furniture even), but that would also incidentally give you an excellent workout. Ideas?
posted by shivohum on Jul 2, 2008 - 13 answers

I've read somewhere that a workout regime consisting of 13 compound lifts is really all you need. Does anyone know which 13 lifts they may be talking about ? or can point me to the article ? [more inside]
posted by hboogz on Jun 27, 2008 - 12 answers

Favorite books or websites dealing with good muscle-building nutrition? [more inside]
posted by 2or3whiskeysodas on Jun 24, 2008 - 16 answers

What are all those machines at the gym and how can I make them work for me? [more inside]
posted by elisabethjw on Jun 16, 2008 - 15 answers

I'm starting to lift weights, and my goal is simply to look as good as possible with my clothes on. What kind of exercises should I focus on? [more inside]
posted by lunchbox on Apr 26, 2008 - 10 answers

Can you get big muscularly by lifting lower weight with high reps? I have been working out on and off in my life as a way to gain weight. I'm a guy with a fast metabolism, very lean and muscular. In college I was able to put on some decent weight and bulk by eating lots and also lifting very heavy weights for low reps. Usually about 4-8 reps max. This is the conventional wisdom amongst weightlifters. However, I met a guy recently who was reallly bulked up and told me he managed to get that way by actually doing the reverse. He said he would do lower weight and aim for 3 sets of 30 reps and thats what got him that way. He was also very lean when he started. This is completley against what is taught by so many. Does anyone have any feedback on this? Can this work?
posted by postergeist on Apr 26, 2008 - 14 answers

What are the best possible exercises I can do for about 20 minutes a day using 2 - 20 lb dumb bells? [more inside]
posted by drgonzo2k2 on Nov 12, 2007 - 6 answers

Is it okay to swim after weightlifting? [more inside]
posted by bluejayk on Nov 8, 2007 - 17 answers

I get into a really crappy mood after lifting weights, and I'd like it to stop. [more inside]
posted by JohnFredra on Oct 27, 2007 - 12 answers

How can I continue to bulk up when my supplement gives me flatulence from hell? [more inside]
posted by fugitivefromchaingang on Apr 9, 2007 - 17 answers

Recently I have been getting back in shape. I want to add some weight lifting to my routine but not a lot. I have done it before and I am just not motivated enough to do the alternate days thing, but I enjoy the benefits of strength training. So what are some of the best all around exercises that I could do that would give me the best all body workout in the least time?
posted by vronsky on Nov 16, 2006 - 13 answers

Muscle pain between thumb and forefinger on left hand while weightlifting. Plenty of detail within. [more inside]
posted by 2or3whiskeysodas on Oct 30, 2006 - 5 answers

Does exercise reduce your ability to recover from surgery? [more inside]
posted by b_thinky on May 25, 2006 - 8 answers

What is wrong with my arm? [more inside]
posted by MasonDixon on Jan 13, 2006 - 21 answers

I am: vegan, mildy exercise-induced asthmatic, non-car owning & often-biking, slightly scoliotic (not visibly, but there's back pain here and there), have virtually no access to exercise equipment other than a set of ancient free weights, weight bench, and mat, without much money. I desire hulking guns and beefiness all over. [more inside]
posted by saysthis on Mar 20, 2005 - 11 answers

I'm interested in finding good, scientific, non-biased information on weight lifting. Almost everything I seem to find online and in print is either unsupported or linked somehow to supplement manufacturers. Where can I find real deal?
posted by tirade on Apr 20, 2004 - 11 answers