Comparisons

[diddledee]

Ok, another dumb question. I was wondering if someone or many someones who are approximately my stats could post what weights they use for common lifts.
I am 5'4'', 111 pounds. I sometimes wonder if I am lifting as heavy as I should or could.

[Jen]

too individuel. size is not relative for the most part

[Erik]

I sometimes wonder if I am lifting as heavy as I should or could.

What do you mean by 'should or could'?

Should? The weight you should be lifting will be determined by the reps you're supposed to be getting. (more reps = less weight and vice versa)

Could? Only you know if you could be using a bit more weight than you are for a given set/rep scheme.

I think comparing yourself to other's strength (even with similar surface stats) isn't going to do you much good IMO. There are too many other variables. Being the same height and weight really doesn't cover it.

[diddledee]

Sometimes I know I could go heavier, for example with bench press, but need somebody to spot...which is sometimes a possibility sometimes not. But, I also wonder if your mind can limit you. Does that make sense?

[Erik]

Sometimes I know I could go heavier, for example with bench press, but need somebody to spot...which is sometimes a possibility sometimes not. But, I also wonder if your mind can limit you. Does that make sense?

No, you don't need someone to spot. Why would you? If you need help from a spotter, the weight is too heavy. You're not lifting it anyway. You're basically lfiting less weight and the spotter is lifting the rest.

I never use a spotter, ever. For anything.

If you have to get 6 reps on the bench, you use a weight that allows you to get 6 reps (maybe 7-8 so you have a bit left in the tank). If you add so much weight that you can only do 4 and need a spotter do help you with the last two? You didn't do the weight. You did 4, not 6. The last two you were lifting less weight as your help was lifting the rest.

I see no need for a spotter, at least in the sense of assisting you in completing your set with heavier weight ... since you're not the one lifting it.

[Noel Clark]

Sometimes I know I could go heavier, for example with bench press, but need somebody to spot...which is sometimes a possibility sometimes not. But, I also wonder if your mind can limit you. Does that make sense?
Erik and I were actually talking about this on the way to Charleston...I think he is going to blog about spots...

If you need a spot then you have gone to heavy....But mentally --I can understand a spot. At least for bench-for me-just knowing that someone is there--I am more willing to go for it. When Hydrick was in the gym at the same time with me I would have her spot me--she never would touch the bar but i always lifted heavier just knowing she was there--JUST IN CASE. I don't know if this is what you mean though????

[diddledee]

Well, I am glad Noel told us to start asking questions. That and the HIIT question today tells me two things I did not know. Thanks!

[Noel Clark]

No, you don't need someone to spot. Why would you? If you need help from a spotter, the weight is too heavy. You're not lifting it anyway. You're basically lfiting less weight and the spotter is lifting the rest.

I never use a spotter, ever. For anything.

If you have to get 6 reps on the bench, you use a weight that allows you to get 6 reps (maybe 7-8 so you have a bit left in the tank). If you add so much weight that you can only do 4 and need a spotter do help you with the last two? You didn't do the weight. You did 4, not 6. The last two you were lifting less weight as your help was lifting the rest.

I see no need for a spotter, at least in the sense of assisting you in completing your set with heavier weight ... since you're not the one lifting it.
You beat me :funny:

[Noel Clark]

Well, I am glad Noel told us to start asking questions. That and the HIIT question today tells me two things I did not know. Thanks!
:clap:

[diddledee]

Yep, and you are right Noel about mentally. Again, the mind thing. I am really lifting it, but the thought that if I were suddenly zapped of all strength I wouldn't crush myself is nice. :laugh:

[smuggie]

Erik and I were actually talking about this on the way to Charleston...I think he is going to blog about spots...

If you need a spot then you have gone to heavy....But mentally --I can understand a spot. At least for bench-for me-just knowing that someone is there--I am more willing to go for it. When Hydrick was in the gym at the same time with me I would have her spot me--she never would touch the bar but i always lifted heavier just knowing she was there--JUST IN CASE. I don't know if this is what you mean though????
Good. Then you didn't have to listen to "It's all you, girl, it's all you."








:lol3:

[Noel Clark]

Good. Then you didn't have to listen to "It's all you, girl, it's all you."








:lol3:
I think that I would have to smack her if she said that while I was lifting :laugh: :laugh:

[Noel Clark]

Yep, and you are right Noel about mentally. Again, the mind thing. I am really lifting it, but the thought that if I were suddenly zapped of all strength I wouldn't crush myself is nice. :laugh:
LMAO

I think that I have had this exact thought!!! That I would be on that bench--pinned--under my puny weight!!!

And your question wasn't stupid...i bet there were others thinking the same thing.....Right Ana:D :laugh:

[Erik]

I've been pinned before - years ago. Under 225. I was doing it for as many reps as I could and thought I had one more ... I didn't.

[diddledee]

And one crush and broken rib would be all it would take for my mother to say..."see I told you you shouldn't be lifting those HEAVY weights".:laugh:

[Jen]

ive been pinned before under bench press... I just rolled it down my body....

[smuggie]

You can always bench in the power rack if you're that concerned with getting pinned. That's what I do.

[smuggie]

LMAO

I think that I have had this exact thought!!! That I would be on that bench--pinned--under my puny weight!!!
Bet your weight isn't as puny as mine is. :laugh:

[Noel Clark]

Bet your weight isn't as puny as mine is. :laugh:
I am making a vow to get it up this year...:(

[smuggie]

I am making a vow to get it up this year...:(
I've been making a vow to get all my weights up for the past few years, but no luck. :tantrum:

[Erin]

ive been pinned before under bench press... I just rolled it down my body....

This is what I've done too.

I do understand the mental aspect of having a spotter. That being said there is only one person right now I would trust to spot me b/c I only want him there so I don't have to roll the weight up. Too many spotters just help even when you don't need it. Then mentally it's all over and you tend to not push as hard because they're lifting the weight...that's me anyway and why I don't want a spotter.