JP Fitness Forums - Personal Training - View Single Post

Rebecca · 05-07-2008, 08:30 PM

I've been working out for a few months now using the machines at the gym and after surprisingly good progress, I want to move to free weights. Someone suggested NROLW, so I picked up the book. After reading, I have a few technical questions I was hoping you all could help me out with, so here goes:

1. I've used dumbbells for workouts, but never barbell type weights. Should I sign up for a few sessions with one of the trainers at my YMCA to get oriented before beginning?

2. I'm worried about handling the long bars because I'm a pretty short female with small armspan. I tried a bench press with one of these a while ago and it was pretty awkward to balance given my max hand position. Is this a silly concern?

3. Do some of the exercises such as squats or deadlifts require a spotter? If so, what do you ladies who don't have a workout partner do?

4. Do you do the body weight exercises (planks, etc) in the gym or separately at home? My Y's free weight area is pretty crowded with equipment with not much open floor space and I've never seen anyone do things like planks or even step-ups with dumbbells over there.

5. HITT - does it get easier? I tried HITT a few months ago and I felt so wiped and cranky after each session (instead of normal cardio high) I went back to SS cardio on non weight training days. Putting it back in my training program makes me apprehensive.

Thanks in advance - can't wait to start the program.

05-07-2008, 08:30 PM	#1 (permalink)
Rebecca Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 6 My Profile	NROLW Newbie Technical Questions I've been working out for a few months now using the machines at the gym and after surprisingly good progress, I want to move to free weights. Someone suggested NROLW, so I picked up the book. After reading, I have a few technical questions I was hoping you all could help me out with, so here goes: 1. I've used dumbbells for workouts, but never barbell type weights. Should I sign up for a few sessions with one of the trainers at my YMCA to get oriented before beginning? 2. I'm worried about handling the long bars because I'm a pretty short female with small armspan. I tried a bench press with one of these a while ago and it was pretty awkward to balance given my max hand position. Is this a silly concern? 3. Do some of the exercises such as squats or deadlifts require a spotter? If so, what do you ladies who don't have a workout partner do? 4. Do you do the body weight exercises (planks, etc) in the gym or separately at home? My Y's free weight area is pretty crowded with equipment with not much open floor space and I've never seen anyone do things like planks or even step-ups with dumbbells over there. 5. HITT - does it get easier? I tried HITT a few months ago and I felt so wiped and cranky after each session (instead of normal cardio high) I went back to SS cardio on non weight training days. Putting it back in my training program makes me apprehensive. Thanks in advance - can't wait to start the program.