Is only working your upper body (weight lifting) a bad idea?

[PingSpike]

I'm probably going to start working out to try and get my body in a little better shape...and get some good habits going before I get old.

My legs have always been pretty large and strong, but my upper body is weak. I would just like to focus on my shoulders, chest and arms mostly. With some effort on abs and back as well. I really don't have any deserve to make my legs larger or stronger. I might just do some easy work on my legs everyone once and awhile...but I'm not to concerned about that.

Opinions on this?

Oh, I also plan to up my protein intake as well. How much protein should I be getting?

 

[GasX]

do what ever you want...

 

[Pex]

unless you are brad pitt in the movie troy...you cant work only your upper body.

 

[PingSpike]

Originally posted by: Pex
unless you are brad pitt in the movie troy...you cant work only your upper body.

...uh...what?

 

[iamme]

take this as second hand info, but Koing (our resident workout guy) recommended that squats be thrown into your workout. even if you are focusing on your upper body. i guess since your quads are a major muscle, doing squats releases lots of testosterone benefitting your upper body workout.

i'm not expert, so take my advice with a grain of salt.

 

[prvteye2003]

Originally posted by: PingSpike

Originally posted by: Pex
unless you are brad pitt in the movie troy...you cant work only your upper body.

...uh...what?

Kinda what I was thinking.

 

[Spamela]

Originally posted by: PingSpike
I'm probably going to start working out to try and get my body in a little better shape...and get some good habits going before I get old.

My legs have always been pretty large and strong, but my upper body is weak. I would just like to focus on my shoulders, chest and arms mostly. With some effort on abs and back as well. I really don't have any deserve to make my legs larger or stronger. I might just do some easy work on my legs everyone once and awhile...but I'm not to concerned about that.

Opinions on this?

Oh, I also plan to up my protein intake as well. How much protein should I be getting?

how do you know your legs are strong?
what can you squat? (to below parallel)

they won't get & stay strong unless you do something (e.g., squats)
on a regular basis (once per week).

 

[blackdogdeek]

what are you trying to achieve? weight loss? overall health improvement? tone?

 

[Wag]

If you just want overall health, how about doing a Nautilus circuit at a health club? It's a good way to start and you'll get a whole body workout that way.

 

[Bulldog13]

Make sure to squat and deadlift.

Both are heavy compound movements and will use your whole body. By squatting you will be helping your upper body grow.

Both realease huge amounts of testosterone. Testosterone = muscle.

Do not just work your upper body, gains will quickly stagnate.

Work your whole body, don t be the guy at the beach with a decent upperbody, but has to wear long pants because his arms have a bigger circumference.

 

[Judgement]

Originally posted by: PingSpike
I'm probably going to start working out to try and get my body in a little better shape...and get some good habits going before I get old.

My legs have always been pretty large and strong, but my upper body is weak. I would just like to focus on my shoulders, chest and arms mostly. With some effort on abs and back as well. I really don't have any deserve to make my legs larger or stronger. I might just do some easy work on my legs everyone once and awhile...but I'm not to concerned about that.

Opinions on this?

Oh, I also plan to up my protein intake as well. How much protein should I be getting?

1.5g of protein per pound that you weigh

100 pounds = 150 grams of protein a day

 

[PingSpike]

Originally posted by: Spamela
how do you know your legs are strong?
what can you squat? (to below parallel)

they won't get & stay strong unless you do something (e.g., squats)
on a regular basis (once per week).

I guess I should rephrase my statement to say that I don't care if my legs are strong. I wouldn't mind toning them up, but they're plenty big for me. I'd just like to have a stronger upper body.

Originally posted by: blackdogdeek
what are you trying to achieve? weight loss? overall health improvement? tone?

I guess the short term goal would be to put some muscle on the upper body. I don't really carry much extra fat, I have a thin build. After that...overall health and an increase in stamina I suppose. I exercised a lot a couple years ago and it really increased my energy, but the crazy schedule I had during school, coupled with not being at home much sort of had the whole thing fall apart on me. I never really gained a lot muscle then though, although I was pretty toned and had good stamina. Now that I'm done with school I'm looking to start up again.

 

[RagingBITCH]

You'll suffer from toothpick syndrome. The ladies will come running *snicker*