After a layoff from weights....

[naughtoj]

I am talking a BIGGGG layoff, when you start back, and you go lighter than you used to on the weights, how low do you go?

I ask because I am only in the first few workouts, so I am using, like 3,5,8#'s. But I don't really feel a burn. If I were to do 10 reps, where the last two were challenging, I would use a heavier weight but would most likely be incapacitated the next day. So, do you just do seemingly pointless weight workouts for a few weeks and then move up?

I've been doing lower body with no weights and don't have soreness other than tightness. I have just been doing LowMax and LIC about every other day with some Jane Fonda weights tacked on. How long do I stick with this?

How long do you think it takes your body to get reacclimated to weights? I know with high impact you gotta move slow, I am modifying everything. What's your opinion??

 

[HipChick]

Hi Janice (& all). I'm just bumping because I'm going to need help with this too when I'm able to get back to lifting weights again. I just posted my tale on another thread but in a nutshell, it's been about 3 months due to sickness & injuries. Right now, I am just starting back with some short walks on the treadmill. I still don't know how much longer it will be before I can start lifting again (I need to wait until my ribcage is healed) but I am going to need this advice too when I start back. So *BUMP* & thanks in advance for any help anyone can offer!

Kel

 

[briee]

Hey Janice....I would only do "seemingly pointless weight workouts" for about a week and then get back at it. Muscles have memory. Yes, you may have soreness (possibly incapacitated), but that's why they make tylenol . (don't get mad at me okay!). I KNOW you have some serious muscle sitting there just waiting to be used and I think you will bounce back quicker than you think. It's just a matter of being faithful on a daily basis. I've had some rocky times this summer where I fell off the boat. Right now I'm settling into Cathe's new cardios and lifting on my own. I LOVE it. I was at the point where I wasn't seeing results from weighted endurance workouts (I'm sure I'll go back to them at some point).

I encourage you to possibly do your own weight work for a while, then you won't be pushing to "keep up" with the crew and you will see continual growth at YOUR pace, in addition to that...enjoy Cathe's new workouts - they are REALLY fun. And that's coming from the person who usually HATES workouts the first few times.

Just a few thoughts.

Briee

 

[MadnNatsmom]

All I have to add is be careful increasing your weights.

I didn't lift weights for about a year and, after the initial "re-breaking in" period of light weights, I increased too much too soon and injured my rotator cuff which set me back again!

I read somewhere that it is easier to make your muscles "remember" more quickly than it is to regain lost cardio endurance.

 

[nancy324]

Janice, I'm in exactly the same position. I'm starting back with Slim & Lean, and what I'm going for is mild DOMS, no more, no less. Like you, I'm also doing lower body exercises without weight, and have very mild DOMS. I will slowly add just a little weight, just testing the waters. If still no DOMS, I'll add a little more weight the next time.

I'm glad I have a wide variety of dumbbells. I even have .5 lb. weights for the rotater cuff segment. For the shoulder work, I'm using 4 lb. dumbbells right now, and I will graduate to 5 and then 6 when I need to. I say take it slow and keep it safe!

Nancy

 

[naughtoj]

Thank you!

Nancy, I am going to check that one out. I am also toying with just supersetting all body parts for 10 reps, running through that routine twice. I am going to make up two seperate workouts, with different exercises each and do that atleast twice per week. The main issue right now is building back up my muscles. They are so puny now!