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 - 17 answers

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

Is there training method to add definition to muscles after gaining strength? Or, do I just need to accept my curious frame? [more inside]
posted by FuManchu on Jul 16, 2009 - 22 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

Is there a site structured like onehundredpushups.com, but setup for free weight weightlifting? [more inside]
posted by Slothrop on Jun 2, 2009 - 16 answers

Squatting technique with barbells: I either fall backward or I bend too much forward. [more inside]
posted by zeek321 on Feb 13, 2009 - 13 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

How does the ability to lift weight change with significant weight loss? In females? [more inside]
posted by acidic on Aug 5, 2008 - 8 answers

Why is squatting causing pain in my hips? [more inside]
posted by ludwig_van on Jul 3, 2008 - 10 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 went surfing for the first time recently, and had a hard time doing the "hop up" on the surfboard -- my feet always tended to be too close together, and I just lacked agility. What are some exercises I could do that would strengthen the relevant muscles and/or otherwise make me a hop-master? Thanks.
posted by shivohum on May 31, 2008 - 4 answers

What are, say, the 5 key dumbbell exercises for arm strongening? [more inside]
posted by turgid dahlia on May 19, 2008 - 12 answers

I've just signed up for a gym membership for the first time in my life... Due to metabolism, I'm not fat, but I'm still really out of shape... what should I start with? [more inside]
posted by twiggy on May 6, 2008 - 25 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

I'd like to learn how to do olympic style weight lifting, somewhere around Vancouver, BC. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by aeighty on Mar 3, 2008 - 6 answers

DamnTennisElbowFilter... Ok, I have tennis elbow in my left elbow. Got a cortisone shot (ouch!) about 3 months ago, but it's back...just let my elbow pain, there is... [more inside]
posted by keep it tight on Jan 21, 2008 - 6 answers

I'm looking for a trainer in the San Francisco area to coach me for a few sessions on my form for a few basic, old school exercises like the squat, bench press, clean, deadlift, row, and military press. [more inside]
posted by I like to eat meat on Jan 3, 2008 - 1 answer

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

Please recommend a good Weightlifting (olympic style) coach in Chicago. [more inside]
posted by shotgunbooty on Nov 7, 2007 - 2 answers

Are pound-me-into-the-floor, leave-me-sore-for-days weight workouts superior to moderate sessions for building muscle? [more inside]
posted by Gordion Knott on Oct 29, 2007 - 9 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

Looking for a Muscle and Fitness exercise reference notebook-type of book, which is proving way more difficult to find than I'd imagined. [more inside]
posted by dubadubowbow on Sep 10, 2007 - 4 answers

Classic ectomorph looking to add weightlifting to exercise routine. [more inside]
posted by elwoodwiles on Aug 23, 2007 - 10 answers

I moved into a new apartment and in the closet was a discarded weight lifting kit: 3 bars and 100 lbs in weights, soplit between 2.5, 5 and 10 lb weights. How do I get into the routine? [more inside]
posted by GilloD on Aug 17, 2007 - 13 answers

In regards to weight training and rest periods between working muscle groups... [more inside]
posted by Octoparrot on Jul 18, 2007 - 8 answers

What's the optimum rest period between full-body weightlifting workouts? [more inside]
posted by Gordion Knott on Jul 15, 2007 - 7 answers

I'm worried about getting a hernia from deadlifting. Are there any exercises to prevent or minimise a hernia? [more inside]
posted by gttommy on Jun 14, 2007 - 8 answers

Are there any safe, legal methods of raising testosterone levels in conjunction with a weightlifting regime? [more inside]
posted by Thistledown on May 10, 2007 - 16 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

How do I strengthen my arms to prepare for my fat ass being on crutches for several weeks? [more inside]
posted by loudguitars on Apr 1, 2007 - 18 answers

Question about weightlifting and osteoporosis . . [more inside]
posted by bananafish on Dec 2, 2006 - 4 answers

Is it possible to gain substantial muscle mass while weightlifting on a vegan diet? [more inside]
posted by Gordion Knott on Nov 17, 2006 - 13 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

Weightlifting - how do I do it without bulking up? [more inside]
posted by suki on Oct 5, 2006 - 20 answers

Ow! What can I do about a pain I'm experiencing in my forearm assocated with weight lifting? [more inside]
posted by Stauf on Sep 29, 2006 - 15 answers

The physics of weight lifting: It's often anecdotally said that one should perform lifting reps slowly because the faster you lift the more one develops momentum and the less one actually lifts the weight. The implication is that this builds from rep to rep so that the last one is easier for this reason (developed momentum) than the first rep. [more inside]
posted by OmieWise on Aug 25, 2006 - 21 answers

Today at the gym I saw a couple guys (football players, as it happens) doing an exercise I hadn't seen before. They started with a 50lb dumbbell in one hand, bent over towards that side (that quad ~ 45 degree angle to the floor), the dumbbell fairly close to the floor. They then pushed off with that quad, jumped/transferred weight to their other foot so their body was completely under their arm, & did a military-press-like motion with the weight. They did 3 sets of 10 with each arm. What is this exercise called? Also, what is that general style of exercise called (more active/full body than simply isolating a particular group), & what are some other examples of this style?
posted by devilsbrigade on Jul 22, 2006 - 8 answers

Help me understand newer trends in muscle development with weights. [more inside]
posted by fox_terrier_guy on Jul 10, 2006 - 10 answers

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

What are the best supplements to take to make it to that "next level" of muscle-mass gain? [more inside]
posted by antifuse on Mar 21, 2006 - 23 answers

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