Strength / Weight Training

Well, it does- as in, that’s what I can do for 8 reps: 28kg/hand for dumbell press and 55kg for barbell press. So 1kg more for dumbell- possibly because I don’t have The Fear that I’m going to squash myself with dumbbells because I can just drop the fuckers.

Incline to flat probably has quite a bit to do with it. Especially anything over a low incline.

Various stabilisation muscles are going to be used differently too.

Suggestions for some basic weights for home use for deadlift, rows, etc. What to buy? How much to spend or just go to Facebook marketplace and buy something unused from someone who got all excited at the onset of lockdown?

An olympic bar & plates is a good start.

That covers deadlifts, rows, overhead press, lunges, curls etc...

A bench then gives you chest presses.

(A fancy bench would give you extension exercises like leg, back, calf raise etc...)

A modular dumbell set would give you arms and accessory lifts.

You've enough space for all of the things though, like a rack and lifting floor.

A rack would give you pull ups and cable exercises if you get the right type.

You probably don't need bumper plates, but 1) they mean the bar is at the same height on the floor with any plate, which is useful for warm ups, 2) you could use them for their intended purpose, and 3) you can get them in different colours.

Without hijacking the thread; any suggestions on where to order a half decent Olympic bar & plates online? Or will any old equipment do (weight is weight...etc)?

I was limited by lockdown availabilities - but I bought this set - https://spartangymgear.co.uk/collections/weight-plates/products/olympic-bar-weights-set (plus and extra pair of 20s and a set of microplates) and it has done the job pretty well. I've been going to a gym again since they reopened, but it was good when using it / on deload weeks when I cba to walk to the gym for a 40 minute workout. I've also ordered stuff from Mirafit and they seem decent.

Depending on experience level, just make sure it's a bar with collars that spin (pref with a bearing) and it'll be fine.

If you are thinking to buy good quality that can last a long time wolverson is a good place to look. I have a 20kg foundation bar and I doubt I'll ever need another bar. Think I spent around £500 on 100kg of bumpers and bar.

Any fans of the Turkish Get Up?
I think it’s a good all round exercise but progression is difficult as it’s 4 kg increases in kettlebell at my gym

Cheers! May go for the Mirafit stuff and add equipment as I go rather than job lot straight away.

Yeah I used to do it a fair bit when I was flinging kettlebells around regularly, I also struggled with weight progression with the big jumps between bells & put a small dent in the gym floor to prove it - better than my head I suppose! Have you thought of trying those weighted wrist bands - could probably get a kilo or two round the handle?

Good idea
So you have stopped doing them ?

Pretty much - I have limited time at the gym so tend to go before work & stick to barbell exercises & do the occasional kb class when I can get to the gym at lunch, but even then i'm generally taking it easy if I know i'll half kill myself with squats the next morning! No sprain no gain, lol

So I finally looked up what StrongLifts was .
Decided to give it a go , a bit of structure.
It seems such a backward step and then you’re not supposed to add much else .
Blimey …… but it seems to get results .
I guess in 4 weeks I’ll know .
Atm I’m having trouble with the ap , it really really wants me to pay for the pro version

The pro version isn’t (or wasn’t) overly expensive and I think it’s worth it. Good luck with it.

You’re right it isn’t .
I think we get used to not paying .
Did it work for you ?

Worked well for me. It had a few bugs but nothing to cause any massive probs.

Dropped a weight on my finger

Fffffffffffuuuuuuuuu!!!

8 months of black nail ?

I don't mind that... I do mind that it might interfere with the gym tomorrow!

Fucker is swollen and uncomfortable at the moment with definitely deep blister look. I'm hoping it calms down overnight.

Dangers of weights 😂

I'm off to A&E get it assessed. No weights for me today.

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Yeah, nope.

Lop it off!

Hope your A+E is quicker than ours. Six hour wait at a quiet time!

Fecking ouch!

Maybe head to the local Minor Injuries or Urgent Care unit - likely a much shorter waiting time, and set up to deal with non-emergencies like weak muscles and clumsiness.

[Edit]

Urgent Care Centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital