How much to lift?

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Noobtastic

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Jul 9, 2005
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Seeking a more lean look, muscle, etc..etc..

I have 5 lb and 8lb weights, will this suffice? If not, what weight? How often do I increase?

I understand you need to alternate between cardio and weights to prevent straining, but what kind of exercises do you recommend?

I will NOT be going to the gym, so consider that.

Also, how effective are wall pushups. I have back issues which makes it hard to lift from floor.



Final question: I have HORRIBLE posture, but since my body and bones are still forming I'd like to correct this as best I can before it's too late.

What exercises do you guys recommend? I know building muscle in stomach/chest area will help support shoulders and thus make it easier to stand up straight, but is this enough?!


Any help will be GREATLY APPRECIATED!


 
purbeast0

purbeast0

No Lifer
Sep 13, 2001
53,663
6,540
126
Originally posted by: Noobtastic
Seeking a more lean look, muscle, etc..etc..

I have 5 lb and 8lb weights, will this suffice? If not, what weight? How often do I increase?

I understand you need to alternate between cardio and weights to prevent straining, but what kind of exercises do you recommend?

I will NOT be going to the gym, so consider that.

Also, how effective are wall pushups. I have back issues which makes it hard to lift from floor.



Final question: I have HORRIBLE posture, but since my body and bones are still forming I'd like to correct this as best I can before it's too late.

What exercises do you guys recommend? I know building muscle in stomach/chest area will help support shoulders and thus make it easier to stand up straight, but is this enough?!


Any help will be GREATLY APPRECIATED!
Click to expand...

5 and 8 pound dumbells will do nothing for you. i recommend going to a gym. there is no specific weight you should start at, you have to figure it all out yourself.

start with basic compound exercises - bench presses, shoulder presses, squats, deadlifts, and barbell curls.

for posture, deadlifts will definitely make you stand up straight and correctly. if you have never lifted i'd recommend going with someone who can show you how to do stuff with correct form because that is key.

even the little videos here can show you how to do the exercises.
 
onlyCOpunk

onlyCOpunk

Platinum Member
May 25, 2003
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For posture I'd recommend some yoga it will teach you about your body's alignment and make you aware of your posture and allow you to correct it.
 
N

Noobtastic

Banned
Jul 9, 2005
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Guys, I seriously can't go to the gym for now. Are their exercises I can do at home that can improve my posture while also bulking me up?!

I can buy weights if necessary...


I workout at night and early morning, times where I cannot go to the gym.

 
D

dougp

Diamond Member
May 3, 2002
7,909
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Originally posted by: Noobtastic
Guys, I seriously can't go to the gym for now. Are their exercises I can do at home that can improve my posture while also bulking me up?!

I can buy weights if necessary...


I workout at night and early morning, times where I cannot go to the gym.
Click to expand...

24hr gyms do exist ya know ...
 
N

Noobtastic

Banned
Jul 9, 2005
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Originally posted by: dreadpiratedoug
Originally posted by: Noobtastic
Guys, I seriously can't go to the gym for now. Are their exercises I can do at home that can improve my posture while also bulking me up?!

I can buy weights if necessary...


I workout at night and early morning, times where I cannot go to the gym.
Click to expand...

24hr gyms do exist ya know ...
Click to expand...

Yes but I can't drive and it's not in walking distance.

 
onlyCOpunk

onlyCOpunk

Platinum Member
May 25, 2003
2,532
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Doesn't your school have a weight room? When I was in high school there was a weight room and there were also a couple weightlifting classes. Kill two birds with one stone.
 
N

Noobtastic

Banned
Jul 9, 2005
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No, my school doesn't even have clubs.


Anymore suggestions? How heavy weights?? What kind? What exercises?? Should I buy a bench??

 
N

Noobtastic

Banned
Jul 9, 2005
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dude, I'm not reading a book for half a paragraph of information.


I'm not looking to become macho man, just correct shoulder and back problems and maybe add a little muscle.


I'm only 16!!

 
BlackTigers

BlackTigers

Diamond Member
Jan 15, 2006
4,491
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Originally posted by: Noobtastic
dude, I'm not reading a book for half a paragraph of information.


I'm not looking to become macho man, just correct shoulder and back problems and maybe add a little muscle.


I'm only 16!!
Click to expand...

You can't start any kind of working out with only 'half a paragraph' of information. It's just simply not enough, and from what I've read, that Rippetoe book seems to be pretty good. Just reminded me to grab a copy next time I hit Borders.

And past that, you're going to need some dumbbells to start, if you refuse to go to the gym. Find a used sporting goods store around you, I got mine for $5-8 a pop and have a nice collection at this point. Also a bench and a bar with adjustable plates wouldn't be bad, but if you read the book you'd have a clearer picture of all of this.
 
N

Noobtastic

Banned
Jul 9, 2005
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Originally posted by: BlackTigers91
Originally posted by: Noobtastic
dude, I'm not reading a book for half a paragraph of information.


I'm not looking to become macho man, just correct shoulder and back problems and maybe add a little muscle.


I'm only 16!!
Click to expand...

You can't start any kind of working out with only 'half a paragraph' of information. It's just simply not enough, and from what I've read, that Rippetoe book seems to be pretty good. Just reminded me to grab a copy next time I hit Borders.

And past that, you're going to need some dumbbells to start, if you refuse to go to the gym. Find a used sporting goods store around you, I got mine for $5-8 a pop and have a nice collection at this point. Also a bench and a bar with adjustable plates wouldn't be bad, but if you read the book you'd have a clearer picture of all of this.
Click to expand...

Well how much weight? I was thinking craigslist, since that has everything...for cheap too.

I can find basic exercises online...flies, lifts, dips, blah blah blah...

I just need to know how much weight to use and perhaps a few suggestions/specific exercises to target shoulders/back.

My mom has at least a thousand weight loss books, but I rather not swift through them. : )

So...20lb, 30lb??

HOW MUCH?! Also, are dumbbells better than bars?
 
EvilYoda

EvilYoda

Lifer
Apr 1, 2001
21,198
9
81
"how much weight"...350lb, there. The weights will depend on you and only you. You'll be able to lift more as you progress, obviously. A set of 20, 25 and 30 pound dumbbells is a good place to start, as I doubt you'll need much more to get a good workout. A bar's good, but be careful if you're starting out and lifting on your own.

Go military press (or is it just a shoulder press if it's not a bar?) a gallon of water...if it's too much, find something smaller. This isn't rocket science ;)
 
N

Noobtastic

Banned
Jul 9, 2005
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Originally posted by: EvilYoda
"how much weight"...350lb, there. The weights will depend on you and only you. You'll be able to lift more as you progress, obviously. A set of 20, 25 and 30 pound dumbbells is a good place to start, as I doubt you'll need much more to get a good workout. A bar's good, but be careful if you're starting out and lifting on your own.

Go military press (or is it just a shoulder press if it's not a bar?) a gallon of water...if it's too much, find something smaller. This isn't rocket science ;)
Click to expand...

thanks, that helps a lot (seriously)!

I'm thinking a nice weight bench, a set of dumbbells and curly weight thingys..


Question: How effective are wall pushups?

Also, do you know different kinds of situps/crunches? I heard if you do the same type for too long your body adjusts and the exercise is useless.

Crunches are convenient for me, especially in the morning before school when I don't have a lot of time to warm up for weights.

I have severe ankle problems so jogging and running is not an option for cardio...and my mom wouldn't tolerate yogo. She's weird like that.





 
K

KoolDrew

Lifer
Jun 30, 2004
10,226
7
81
Buy a power rack, a bench, an Olympic weight set and start squatting, deadlifting, benching, etc. ;)
 
onlyCOpunk

onlyCOpunk

Platinum Member
May 25, 2003
2,532
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Dude just get a Bowflex. You're dogging the boards for information, and everyone has given you great information, yet you refuse to take it! No one knows how much weight you should start at. But a rather crude method is to find your max, then do 80% of that I think. Otherwise you'll just have to start until you find what works for you and your routine.
 
SociallyChallenged

SociallyChallenged

Elite
Mar 22, 2002
10,483
32
81
Originally posted by: Noobtastic
Originally posted by: BlackTigers91
Originally posted by: Noobtastic
dude, I'm not reading a book for half a paragraph of information.


I'm not looking to become macho man, just correct shoulder and back problems and maybe add a little muscle.


I'm only 16!!
Click to expand...

You can't start any kind of working out with only 'half a paragraph' of information. It's just simply not enough, and from what I've read, that Rippetoe book seems to be pretty good. Just reminded me to grab a copy next time I hit Borders.

And past that, you're going to need some dumbbells to start, if you refuse to go to the gym. Find a used sporting goods store around you, I got mine for $5-8 a pop and have a nice collection at this point. Also a bench and a bar with adjustable plates wouldn't be bad, but if you read the book you'd have a clearer picture of all of this.
Click to expand...

Well how much weight? I was thinking craigslist, since that has everything...for cheap too.

I can find basic exercises online...flies, lifts, dips, blah blah blah...

I just need to know how much weight to use and perhaps a few suggestions/specific exercises to target shoulders/back.

My mom has at least a thousand weight loss books, but I rather not swift through them. : )

So...20lb, 30lb??

HOW MUCH?! Also, are dumbbells better than bars?
Click to expand...

Honestly, man, nobody can tell you what weight you should or have the ability to use. Only you can find that out through experience. I would suggest doing the Starting Strength program as suggested earlier in this thread. Also, there are dumbbells that you can add and remove weight from so you don't have the "how much" dilemma. Nobody knows how much you can lift in certain areas, not even you. You should probably have both dumbbells AND barbells though since they are both very useful. Seriously though, consider reading Starting Strength because it will definitely help you get stronger. Also, if you're concerned about looks, look into the Zone diet, which isn't an actual "diet," but is just a different proportion of carbs, fats, and protein than people are used to. Also, to fix your posture, you have to make a conscious effort to make it better. Lifting may help with it, but try not to slouch.
 
TehMac

TehMac

Diamond Member
Aug 18, 2006
9,976
3
71
Originally posted by: Noobtastic
Seeking a more lean look, muscle, etc..etc..

I have 5 lb and 8lb weights, will this suffice? If not, what weight? How often do I increase?
Click to expand...

I remember having 10lb dumbells when I was 14, worked out a little bit, but Christmas 2 years ago, I got 15lb dumbells. Basically, get 15lb dumbells. Reps of 20 times doing w/e excercise is better than just wasting energy--like Purebeast0 says.

Originally posted by: Noobtastic
Originally posted by: bignateyk
You're gonna need to buy some weights if you plan on bulking up.
Click to expand...

Details and specifics would be appreciated!!!!
Click to expand...

15 pound dumbells. If you want a single bar with weights attached, go for 50 pounds. Reps of 5 maybe. If it's too heavy, wait a bit, lift with the 15's.


Also depends what you're eating.

 
SociallyChallenged

SociallyChallenged

Elite
Mar 22, 2002
10,483
32
81
Originally posted by: TehMac
Originally posted by: Noobtastic
Seeking a more lean look, muscle, etc..etc..

I have 5 lb and 8lb weights, will this suffice? If not, what weight? How often do I increase?
Click to expand...

I remember having 10lb dumbells when I was 14, worked out a little bit, but Christmas 2 years ago, I got 15lb dumbells. Basically, get 15lb dumbells. Reps of 20 times doing w/e excercise is better than just wasting energy--like Purebeast0 says.

Originally posted by: Noobtastic
Originally posted by: bignateyk
You're gonna need to buy some weights if you plan on bulking up.
Click to expand...

Details and specifics would be appreciated!!!!
Click to expand...

15 pound dumbells. If you want a single bar with weights attached, go for 50 pounds. Reps of 5 maybe. If it's too heavy, wait a bit, lift with the 15's.


Also depends what you're eating.
Click to expand...

Honestly 15 pounds won't do anything for your fitness. Please don't take this advice if you're looking to get in shape.
 
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