Is this dangerous?

H

hippahips

Cathlete
I've been using 20s for bench flyes for about three months now. I've always thought that once I get to this weight, that this would be it for me. But now I'm wondering if I should proceed and go heavier. I've been doing all sets of flyes in GS-CT with 20s, and that's after all the push-ups and presses. Push harder, right?

I have one-pound wrist weights that I could wear. I also have homemade platemates that can add 2.5 lbs. to each 20-pounder. My question is, would this pose a danger to my shoulders? I've always been careful about adding weight, especially with flyes, after reading stories about injured shoulders. I've also been going up in chest weight with endurance work. I did C&W's chest work with 15's last Saturday and felt it, but just a little bit. Wasn't even sore the next day. I know my chest is strong, but I'm wavering here. What do you think?

My husband tells me I don't really need that much weight for flyes, but I think he's just scared I'll be buffer than him.:p Seriously, I don't buff up. I don't have that kind of body.

Pinky
 
I think you'd be fine. I use 25 lbs for flies & have never had a problem. If I were you I'd just stick the 2.5 lbs on for a set of 5 & see how it feels, then work your way up to the full sets.
 
My husband tells me I don't really need that much weight for
>flyes, but I think he's just scared I'll be buffer than him.:p
>Seriously, I don't buff up. I don't have that kind of body.
>
>Pinky


PUH-LEEZE! You are very buff! That's why I was staring at you from across the gym. Remember?!!! I agree with DH on the weight amount of flyes though, wouldn't want you to have a shoulder inury.

But I like the idea of you freaking him out if he thinks you're tougher than him!}( }( }(

Marla
 
I decided that I will not go above 17.5# for flyes. They are an isolation move,in addition, I think that heavier weights, for me, would put too much strain on the shoulder area. Instead, I heavy up on presses. When I do PUB, I change weights between flyes (lighter) and presses (heavier).
 
I too am up to 25-lb dumbbells for flyes, so no, I don't think the weight load in and of itself is dangerous.

However, I'd be extra careful of adding 2.5-lbs on to your dumbbells all at once, not only for the shoulder issue but also for forearm and grip strength issues. I'd suggest adding on the 1-lb wrist weights first and getting used to those, then chucking the wrist weights and adding on the 2.5-lb platemates and getting used to those, then RE-ADDING the wrist weights back on and getting used to that weight-load in its entirety. Then think about going up to 25-lb'ers.

A-Jock
 
One more thing: as you add weight load onto your pec flyes, you may also want to add an equal amount of weight load onto whatever you use for rear delt flyes so that you maintain muscle strength balance in those opposing groups. AND, while you're at it, add an equal amount of weight load for biceps, triceps and middle delts. Not to mention throwing another pound or two onto your leg work.

Just a thought . . .

}(

A-J
 
My gosh, I am weak to all of you ladies. I won't mention what my heavy weight is on flyes. I will be glad when I can go that heavy. Exactly how do you build that strength? I work out with weights all the time and can't get that heavy.Wow! You ladies are the bomb!!



kim
 
Thanks for all your replies. I tried putting my one-pound wrist weights while doing GS-CT. I was able to do 4 out of 5 sets with them on. I FELT that one-pound difference.

A-Jock, I'll remember to increase my weights on everything else, especially the post-delt exercises. Muscle imbalances are another thing I'm afraid of. Great reminder. Thanks.

Kim, it took me a little over two long years to get to this point. I took my time with the weight changes because I'm always afraid I'd strain my back. Honestly, I sometimes can't believe I'm using heavy weights. I started with those pink one-pounders in physical therapy.

And Marla, one day I will bench press hubby's weight. Maybe it will take me ten years to get there, but it'll happen.}(

Pinky
 
After 3 months you should have at least tried to move up or changed the lift tempo. Three months doing the samething is stagnation in my opinion. If you do not want to go heavier, then change the tempo and get the same effect. Or do the flyes in a different order in your workout and get the same effect. You don't always need to go heavier to work the muscle harder.
 
Hey Pinky --

I don't think flyes with 25 lbs are any more "dangerous" than flyes with any pounds. You always have to be careful to maintain proper form (as you know :)) regardless of how much weight you are using. Just be sure not to go too far down and/or stop if you feel it in your shoulders (the "bad pain" -- not the "good pain"). I think it's time to buy some 25's Missy!

Shonie
 
Hey Shonie, I do have 25's. Been using them for the presses in GS-CT. But this afternoon I used 30's for 2 sets. Been using a 30 for one-armed rows. So maybe it's time to buy 35's.:p You know me and my back and joint problems -- I just had to ask this question.;-)

Pinky
 
Nice, I haven't been using Gym Styles exclusively for 3 months. I think I should've put that in my original post. I alternate two series each week for 4-6 weeks, using different weights (manageable, of course) for each series, then pick another two for another similar duration. This is why I like Cathe. There is so much variety.

Pinky
 
Pinky...Shonie...

WOW. That's all I can say. You guys really give a gal something to work toward! I am totally impressed! (Now I know how you got so gorgeous!!:) )

And it's just my opinion, but anytime you can trump the hubby, it's a GOOD THING.

}(

MEECHER
 
Ahhh...I figured you had 25's :)

30's!!! My goodness girl...you ARE gonna put the husband to shame! Oh well, he'll get over it. Besides, with all the conference calls, he might not even notice ;-)

Okay...I'm totally impressed by the 30lbs for one-armed rows. My back is so WEAK. I need to start concentrating on it. Right now my Chest is much stronger than my back (and that's NOT a good thing). I can only do 20's for one-armed rows. So there...you just kicked my a$$!

Go Pinky!!
Shonie
 
Shonie, just remember: you can do pull-ups, I can't. So I guess that evens things out.:) And I use 30's for rows on a good day, and for PUB so I get to do only 8 reps.

Talking of heavy db's, I just might accidentally on purpose crush the headphone that hubby uses for conference calls. A 35 is enough, don't you think?}(

Allison, I wish my hubby could spot me, but as you can see, he's always busy.:) :(

Pinky
 
Ha!

Pinky...the old "heavy dumbbell on the headphone" trick works every time. I can hear it now: "Oh my, looks like I crushed your little headphones ;-) Darn me and my super-human upper body strength! Well, now whatcha gonna do buddy?!?" I think a 35 would do it for sure!!! Just be sure it's not in his ear when you try that maneuver.

We're gonna have to go workout together SOON!!!

love ya,
Shonie

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world" - Mahatma Gandhi

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=6&uid=3655618&
 
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