Upper Body Strength Vs. Lower Body Strength

[tygra]

Hi Cathe!

Hoping you can give me some advice. I've noticed that my biceps (especially) and sometimes my shoulders can not lift the same weight as my legs do (fixed weight workouts, etc.). What can I do to help this along? I've been trying to lift as many as I can and then set down the barbell and pick up lighter dumb bells instead. Will continuing to do this help? Is there anything else I can do to speed this along?

Thanks again for your help! You are an inspiration!

Jane

 

[acatalina]

I have the bicep trouble.
Here is what i have been trying.
I do the reps cathe does with her weight or heavier , but do i arm at a time. I do right then left. I figure eventually i will build up the muscle strength to do them both at the same time.
Like if she is doing 40 i grab 2 -20's.
I know i dread biceps because i get discousted with myself, but keep trying. I figure eventually.
Anne
http://www.picturetrail.com/acatalina

 

[kathryn]

Try adding a weight belt (some ankle weights can be linked together ro make a belt) or a weighted vest. I find that I can't safely lift more than 45# over my head to put on my shoulders (to avoid shoulder injury risk), so when I go over this amount, I add a weighted vest and there is no problem.