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LIES in the gym
You don’t have to go far in the average gym to find someone willing to give you bad information. People are full of ideas and advice about women and weights. And most of them are wrong. I’ve compiled a list of some of the most common myths floating around like the alligator in the sewer stories. The difference is, of course, that there really ARE alligators in the sewer. And snakes that pop out of your toilet, heh heh.
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What you need and what you don’t
It’s tempting to think when starting out that you need a whole array of belts, straps, gloves, and suits to begin strength training, especially if you see a lot of folks in the gym all decked out like medieval cyborgs. Well, the truth is that you don’t. Here’s what you need and what you can do without.
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Old broads: the golden years of pumping iron
The other day I got an email from a woman who asked, “I’m 31. Is it too late to begin a fitness program?” Only in our youth-worshiping North American culture could such a question even be asked. In most other cultures in the world, the concept of aging equaling inactivity does not exist.
Above: Champion powerlifter and site reader Gayle busts out the biceps curl reps.
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No fat chicks
I was sitting on a cold, paper-covered exam table when the doctor told me I was too fat. The sterile, crinkly surface rustled as I shifted awkwardly, trying to conceal my embarrassment and anger. I had gone in to find out why my hip hurt so much. The doctor explained that my extra weight was putting pressure on the joint and was the likely source of the pain. Then he said simply, “Lose weight,” and left the room.
How do you start out if you’re an overfat beginner? Not by taking the usual advice, that’s for damn sure.
Eating
Krista’s Kalorietastic Konfabulator
Now that you’ve read all about the major macronutrients — fat, carbs, and protein — you’re probably wondering how the heck you make, like, meals and stuff. After all, foods aren’t just “nutrients”.
Here’s a little chart that might be helpful. Here are common foods that are good sources of the major nutrients.
What's new
Rant 52 July 2009: Mistress goes to the mountain
Things I learned on my summer vacation: Oxygen is important. Colorado grandmothers make Marines look like crybabies. Also, eyeballs can explode. Cooool.
Training
Toronto Women’s Strength Workshop June 7
Want to get stronger? Leaner? More badass? Or just learn a few fundamentals?
Then check out the Stumptuous Women’s Strength Workshop! Come and hang out with me. Squat a little. Learn a lot.
Don’t fear the free weights!
Remember that one of the big lies in the gym was that women should stick to machines and stay away from free weights? Related to that is the lie that one should “start out” on machines and then “graduate” to free weights. Well, here’s why it ain’t so, as well as why free weights are often better for women.
Strength without size: How to get stronger without getting bulky
Staying weak because of how it might make you look is the same as staying illiterate for fear of appearing nerdy. Women have somehow been sold a false bill of goods when it comes to working out. Here’s why flapping your arms around with purple dumbbells is not typically helpful.
Learning
Jorg Blech, Healing Through Exercise
News flash: exercise is good for you.
Sure, we all know it.
But do you know why?
And do you know the many hows? Judging from a lot of traditional medical advice, most folks have failed to appreciate the plethora of ways in which exercise can treat, heal, and even cure. Bed rest is commonly prescribed, particularly for older people. Yet according to Blech, this is likely the worst advice someone can receive!
More in Learning
Rants
Rant 52 July 2009: Mistress goes to the mountain
Things I learned on my summer vacation: Oxygen is important. Colorado grandmothers make Marines look like crybabies. Also, eyeballs can explode. Cooool.
More in Rants
Doh! and ouch
Back pain 3: Exercises for low back pain
Here are just a few tips and ideas for low back pain rehab and prevention exercises. If you are prone to LBP then I recommend including these as part of your regular workout program.
More in Doh! and ouch
Women stuff
Baby Bells: Fit Pregnancy Workout with (Optional) Kettlebells
“Having experienced the joys of being pregnant three times over for a total of 839 days (who’s counting), it’s clear just from watching Lauren Brooks’ latest DVD, Baby Bells: Fit Pregnancy Workout With (Optional) Kettlebells that it would have been a great addition to my training regimen as I aimed to stay fit and strong as each of my babies grew…”
Reviewed by guest author Erin Weiss-Trainor
More in Women stuff
Inspiration
Overfat youth at risk of chronic diseases
Blood markers observed in obese children — some as young as 7 — indicate their bodies host chronic inflammation, a driver of heart disease, and elevations in chemicals that promote blood clots.
The findings, reported today at the Endocrine Society annual meeting, in Washington, D.C., indicate that school-age plumpness can prove more than a social stigma. It may signal that youngsters are on their way to developing cardiovascular disease — and years earlier than even a generation ago.