How can I successfully incorporate weight lifting into my current fitness routine? [more inside]
posted by reticulatedspline on Sep 3, 2009 - 35 answers

I need a workout system for a BIG man. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 24, 2009 - 11 answers

What's the best way to take my workout routine to the next level while spending ten days with my family? [more inside]
posted by mizrachi on Jul 17, 2009 - 5 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

What's the benefit of multiple sets of one exercise at a time vs. one quick set of several exercises repeated? [more inside]
posted by smelvis on Apr 20, 2009 - 6 answers

Help me plan a lunch-hour workout. [more inside]
posted by heeeraldo on Apr 6, 2009 - 7 answers

[ExcerciseFilter] What's a good target for weight gain in strength training? Not to say body building, but general fitness-level training. I can't seem to find a clear resource for equating weight training to muscle mass. [more inside]
posted by cavalier on Feb 27, 2009 - 8 answers

What are some basic exercises to get ripped in the style of Fight Club Brad Pitt or Tupac, not the steroid style Arnold/body builder type? [more inside]
posted by four panels on Dec 16, 2008 - 27 answers

What is the best way for a fairly unmotivated but still moderately fit guy with a lot of time on his hands to build upper body mass in the comfort of his own home?
posted by zaebiz on Sep 29, 2008 - 17 answers

I've been lifting weights for a long time, but recently decided to switch from the machines to mostly free weights and cable lifts. I've done a lot of reading on the subject, and have cobbled together the following routine that seems to be giving me some results, but I wanted opinions on what muscles I might be missing/which exercises might be superfluous. [more inside]
posted by prior on Sep 8, 2008 - 17 answers

I bought a bottle of creatine powder and I want to know how to use it properly. I'd like to hear your advice/experiences. [more inside]
posted by Who_Am_I on Aug 8, 2008 - 7 answers

Should I proceed with my routine workout if the particular muscle group in question hasn't fully recuperated? [more inside]
posted by alcoth on Jul 29, 2008 - 6 answers

I'm looking for a single book on exercises I can do at home without any extra equipment that will help me build some muscle mass and definition while (hopefully) losing weight. [more inside]
posted by mecran01 on Jul 28, 2008 - 24 answers

The best way to develop muscle without weights? [more inside]
posted by brandnew on Jul 12, 2008 - 13 answers

Why is squatting causing pain in my hips? [more inside]
posted by ludwig_van on Jul 3, 2008 - 10 answers

Should I seek additional physical therapy for my mysteriously injured knee, and how can I continue to work out in spite of it? [more inside]
posted by Who_Am_I on May 22, 2008 - 5 answers

Fighting Blubber—The Gym Reassurance Questions. [more inside]
posted by wildrain2008 on Apr 20, 2008 - 10 answers

I have been training seriously for about 1 month now. I am 28, 5'11" and weigh about 240 (lots of flubber.) I have noticed that I am putting on good amounts of muscle and adding good strength as well (the beginner effect I guess), as well as losing inches of my waist. I am hoping for a little help with my program and supplementation. [more inside]
posted by Ezrie on Mar 31, 2008 - 21 answers

Is it best to weight train before or after a run? [more inside]
posted by honeyx on Nov 14, 2007 - 16 answers

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

Cardio isn't doing it for me. The diet change is working verrry slowly, but I want to lose 10 pounds. Problem is, I can't lift anything heavier than 15 pounds, so is weight training even an option? [more inside]
posted by Unicorn on the cob on Oct 22, 2007 - 20 answers

I watched "Pumping Iron" again a couple of months ago. I was surprised at how inspiring some the training scenes still were to watch. (Yes, I'm aware it was a docu-drama, not a documentary.) Any recommendations of other good dvds that might be a source of training inspiration? [more inside]
posted by Tbola on Oct 3, 2007 - 8 answers

My boss has challenged me to complete some sort of marathon workout at his gym. I'm not very athletic, but if I can finish, my boss will buy all his employees an expensive steak dinner. I need tips -- especially as to what/when to eat. The workout is at 8pm tonight. [more inside]
posted by grumblebee on Jun 19, 2007 - 23 answers

I was on Effexor for about a year to treat my depression, during which time (for the first time in 7+ years) my weight training came screeching to an abrupt halt. (My energy level just wasn't there anymore, nor was I able to focus enough to be able to have a satisfying workout.) [more inside]
posted by Tbola on Mar 7, 2007 - 4 answers

The more I work out, the more I realize that nutrition has a huge impact on my energy. When is the best time to eat various foods during the day so I have the most energy when I get to the gym at 5:30 p.m.? And how can I meet my nutritional needs, given that I'm a vegetarian who likes less-processed foods but doesn't have a lot of time for cooking (and can't handle eating beans every day)? I feel like I need a lot more protein all of a sudden. [more inside]
posted by croutonsupafreak on Jan 22, 2007 - 25 answers

Does anyone out there have any experience with TNT Fitness in the DC area? [more inside]
posted by echo0720 on Jan 11, 2007 - 3 answers

Help me fix my stubborn rotator cuff. [more inside]
posted by dead_ on Dec 7, 2006 - 8 answers

Exercisefilter: More reps or more weight? Looking for advice on using weight machines. [more inside]
posted by Nathanial Hörnblowér on Oct 30, 2006 - 10 answers

How do I best combine running and leg lifts like squats? In an effort to increase muscle mass, I've started doing a whole body routine at the gym 3 times a week (I used to do chest/back, arms/shoulders, legs). I like the new routine, but it also means I'm squatting 3 times a week and my legs are SORE after squatting (like wobbling up the stairs sore). I'm also still trying to run on off days but it's especially hard even days after hard leg workouts. How do you all combine lifting and running regimens? Does leg soreness from squats get any better with time?
posted by rordog on Sep 10, 2006 - 21 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

Ok, I know 50 million mefis have asked these kinds of questions before, but I swear this is different. I have a new workout plan and simply need somebody to validate the plan. Good idea, bad idea, whatever. [more inside]
posted by damiano99 on Jul 12, 2006 - 18 answers

PostOfficeAvoidanceFilter: Has anyone made a weight calculator (or just recorded weights of commonly mailed objects) such that I can figure out how much a double DVD case, 2 dvds, and a bubble mailer would typically weigh? [more inside]
posted by anonymoose on May 26, 2006 - 10 answers

Help me find this particular brand of square "free weights." [more inside]
posted by mykescipark on Apr 26, 2006 - 4 answers

What qualifications should I look for in a personal trainer? What do the ACE certifications actually mean? I'd like to hire a trainer for a few sessions, but I really don't want to hurt myself or hire a nut. Please help me sort through the options! [more inside]
posted by barnone on Feb 12, 2006 - 4 answers

What are these weird marks on my shoulders? I started a new weight training program yesterday, and now there are red streaks on my shoulders! [more inside]
posted by catfood on Oct 25, 2005 - 22 answers

GymFilter: I'm going backwards. [more inside]
posted by devilsbrigade on Sep 23, 2005 - 8 answers

Everybody always says I need to wait a day or two after lifting weights in one muscle group before doing it again in order to "let the muscles heal". But what if I don't wait? Will I damage my body? [more inside]
posted by Moral Animal on Aug 17, 2005 - 14 answers

What's the bare minimum of strength training I can get away with? [more inside]
posted by hamster on Jul 8, 2005 - 14 answers

I need a paperweight to hold down my cookbooks while I cook and the books I'm reading while I multitask. I have never shopped for a paperweight, so I don't even know where to start. [more inside]
posted by scazza on May 3, 2005 - 12 answers

I've started working out in the past two months in order to gain weight and muscle. It's definitely working, but I need help developing the muscle more evenly. [more inside]
posted by scody on Apr 20, 2005 - 10 answers

I'll be in a developing country this summer, and most likely wont have access to any sort of gym with weights. (i do a lot of cardio and lift too) I've looked into travel weights andI've looked around, but all I have been able to find so far are $50 Aquabells water-fillable weights, which have a max of 16 pounds each. How can I keep my strength up this summer, while not having ways to lift? I've always done cardio and lifting with machines, so i know I can work out without them, i'm just not entirely sure how. Thanks!
posted by jare2003 on Apr 18, 2005 - 16 answers

I'm looking into making my home gym better equipped. I've had one of those all-in-one machines that do the pulley benchpress, the butterfly and leg curls. I also have a bar with weights that I do those arm curls on. I went to a gym the other day, and see how limited I am with just doing benchpresses on a pully system. It looks as if free weights are the way to go, meaning I'll need a bench and such. I'm clueless on what to get and searching usenet comes up with flame wars on how differeint exercise machines will cause cancer/spontaneous abortions. [more inside]
posted by geoff. on Aug 3, 2004 - 8 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

Weight lifting: I'm doing the Super Slow Motion thing and I've got a question regarding muscle failure... Do I go until I fail once, or is it OK to do the next rep after going to fail and backing down? [more inside]
posted by daver on Feb 19, 2004 - 15 answers

I have started to lift weights recently, and I was thinking about taking creatine supplements. Has anyone here used creatine? How has it worked for you? Any recommended method or particular brand?
posted by Quartermass on Jan 19, 2004 - 6 answers

I just moved into an apartment complex with a gym and have started working out, but I'm having a problem developing a routine. The place is basically treadmills, spinning machines, and a well-equipped weight room. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by billybunny on Jan 17, 2004 - 16 answers