A MizFit KindaSorta Retraction.

by

Welcome to Viewer Mail Run Amuck.

A slightly different structure which Im choosing to pretend I did just to see if you were paying attention and not  because thats how it all turned out when I was finished.

Im always begging people for videos.

Any of you all.

There are few things I wanna see more than members of the Bumbling Band out in the wild doing whatever it is you do when youre not reading blogs.

This week I received such a video from a longtimereader.  A woman whom, every time she posts a comment, I find myself thinking how alike we are (here’s hoping that’s a compliment, Dragonmamma).

I give you the D’Mamma’s first video ever.  Please to enjoy:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbwR29U_Tqo

(abrupt topic shift)

Since the New Year Ive received many, many emails asking what I’d prescribe for a beginner weight training routine.

I try to be as vague as possible when recommending specific routines (please to see DIZCLAIMER above & cross-reference under not knowing people’s physical limitations etc.), but do feel comfortable suggesting a general structure or other places to seek information.

Once upon a time, in a Viewer Mail far away, I said this:

can you suggest a beginnerbeginner routine for weight training? I know I should be doing it … I want to do it … and yet I don’t ever do it because I don’t know what I’m doing.
OK, keeping in mind I hath no idea what your current fitness level is or physical limitations might be here’s what I would suggest:

Full body routine.

start off twice a week (remember, we are setting ourselves up for success!) doing only two sets per exercise at a weight where you can complete 12-15 repetitions the first set without struggle and 10-12 repetitions the last set and feel *challenged* but not in pain.

What should you include in this routine?

1 exercise for chest.

1 exercise for back.

1 exercise for biceps.

1 exercise for triceps.

1 exercise for shoulders.

2-4 for your legs (depending on time available and your current fitness level. Im being deliberately vague as I do not know from whence you’re starting—but this will give you a sense of how to set up your program.)

As you become more fit you can increase your workout to three times a week (never on back-to-back days) and, as your fitness level increases still, you may wish to break down your routine into an upper body workout one day and lower body/shoulders on another.

The upper body workout would resemble: 2 exercises for chest (a pressing movement and a fly movement) 2 exercises for back (a pull down movement and a rowing movement) two for biceps and two for triceps.

The lower body workout would thoroughly work your legs and also include exercises for all three heads of your shoulder.

You also asked in your email about books which show exercises so you might get a better idea of how to execute them (disclaimer: I tend not to adore books which tout themselves as weight training for women. In my opinion we dont need to train differently than men and it simply exploits women’s fear o’the bulk for financial gain.

I am here today to say that I was wrong.

(Ill let that sink in for a bit)

Im here to admit I much mocked the book, The New Rules of Lifting for Women, merely because I couldnt stand the tagline of Lift Like a Man, Look Like a Goddess.

Those 8 words triggered my gag reflex.  So much so that I never cracked the binding —-until I did.

And Im here to announce I stand corrected.

What did I find I liked?

  • The book takes the time to debunk the myth that women can get ‘bulky’ muscles if they train with weights.    Surprisingly this myth still needs debunking.
  • It talks about different types of aerobic training and explains all the various muscles in the body.
  • It focuses on training safely. How to & how to know when you are not.  How to listen to your body and hear what it’s saying.
  • There’s nutritional information in the book as well which, for some, is a welcome icing on the proverbial proteincake in a book which addresses weight training (I didnt much care either way & almost prefer my nutrition info separate)
  • The exercises.  I LOVE the photos: they were very clear and easy to understand. I LOVE the exercises the authors chose to include.   I LOVE that the authors target all levels of skill.  I LOVE the routine creating tips.  I’d anticipated this section would be completely condescending and I was entirely wrong.

What did I not like?  Besides the fact Id been wrong about the  book. I hate when that happens.

  • The name. Quite frankly that’s all I didnt enjoy about the book but, seeing as it was released in 2007 & Im just reading it now, that’s a pretty big something in my opinion.  Had the tagline been different I would definitely have read it sooner.

Why am I telling you all this?

Partly because we’re all about the honestly up in herre & partly because I now want you to read it.

One of you at least.

Fer free.

That’s right.  I’m woman enough to admit my mistakes and iron-lover enough to want you to benefit from it.

Please to hit us up in the comments to be entered to win.

Chat about D’Mamma’s video, throw in your own weight training question, if youve already read the book tell me why you agree or disagree with my reaction—whatevs.

Just comment.

(USA only. Winner announced tomorrow)

POSTS BY EMAIL

Never miss a post. Enter your email to get my latest posts delivered to your inbox.

Comments

  1. Ok, so I’m not eligible for the book (pout), but I would still like to comment on the video.

    Dragonmama? More like Kangaroomama! That was fascinating to watch! I remember doing things like that when I was 10! Now I’d fall on my face, snap my neck and ruin my knees. I kept picturing myself going splat into the wall during those high jumps! But darn, it looks like fun! When I’m much fitter and leaner I’m going to revisit these!

  2. Dragonmama- you are hard core lady! That was so fun! I think I’ll watch again after I’m done commenting!! I do high jumps…they are challenging enough for me without adding more height, but maybe I need to focus in on that more! LOVE! Thanks for sharing! Keep rockin’ it! I want to see more soon!

    ~rupal

  3. I’ve seen this book at our library and have been tempted to check it out, but I usually despise exercise books aimed specifically at women. I fear they are going to just talk about PMS and sports bras. I cannot relate to problems with either, thankfully.

    I wonder what your position is on lifting for legs if you don’t want to build bulk and are already fit and running frequently. I read something about not lifting lower body if your thigh muscles are over a specific diameter. I think I’m there, whatever it is 😉

  4. I really wish the goofy myth that women can gain muscles like men didn’t have to be debunked but way back in the seventies people like Jane Fonda and others who shall remain nameless tried to promote aerobics as the best thing for women to lose weight…to sell videos.

    I’m glad you’re leading the charge to make sure all of your bumbling Band knows the truth. Thank you for being here.

    Lose Weight Fastat http://askroccoblog.com

  5. Hi Miz,
    Great video, Dragonmamma! I am completely impressed here – with all you did! Awesome stuff!

    New Rules of Lifting For Women — and it’s counterpart – New Rules of Lifting — THE two books we keeps right beside all our equipment. Marked up pages. Dog-eared pages. I’m a big believer in the programs Alwyn Cosgrove creates. I’ve completely read NROL (the original) – and partially read NROL4W. For what it’s worth, the writing is an easy and fun read – but the real meat of the book is the workout programs – in the case of both books. Since the book you discuss is geared toward women – I leave that one to my wife. The original NROL – I have found this to be a completely solid program(s) – and one that has challenged me greatly. I highly recommend both of these books!!

  6. I was very impressed with Dragonmomma’s stomach exercise! Wow!

    I desperately need to start some sort of weight training. All I’m doing at the moment is cardiovascular exercises and I know that is not enough to KEEP the weight off when I reach my target.

  7. I have looked at this book but didn’t trust myself to know if it gave me what I needed or not. There are do many books out there!

    (Where is your book MIZ???)

    I don’t need to be entered I think I will just buy it.

    Thanks!

  9. I am one who emailed you about the training program.
    It’s all so overwhelming I don’t even start.

    One thing you did was show us the band workout and I figured out on my own that I could use weights for those exercises at the gym.

    I also made a workout from your facetime videos.

    PLEASE ENTER ME TO WIN!!!!

    I want this book.

  10. It is totally worth it for people to work with a personal trainer who is a stickler for positioning to learn who to use free weights correctly!

    And – my 14 year old expressed an interest in free weights last week and is attending my afternoon class with me now!

    And – until I saw a fit 14 year old start from the beginning – I didn’t realize how strong I have gotten!

  11. Welp! I’m sort of a yoga and cardio fiend. I don’t know much about free weights… truth be told, ‘that’ side of the gym has been known to intimidate me on occasion. A book like this might be nice;)

  12. Hey Peeps.

    Im starting my day so more soon but…

    I wonder what your position is on lifting for legs if you don’t want to build bulk and are already fit and running frequently.

    as a TRAINER I say you still need to train them (want ideas?) as a fulltimeworkingbabymamasansdaycare I tend to skip em and let my cardio/lunging through life be my leg day.

    I also made a workout from your facetime videos.

    I love that. free is always good and remember it cant hurt to hire a trainer for even a session or 2 to check your form!

    (Where is your book MIZ???)

    coming. please to contact me of literary agents who insist I need a major platform (hello celebrity status like Jillian. *sigh*) to sell anything to the masses.

    truth be told, ‘that’ side of the gym has been known to intimidate me on occasion.

    NO MORE. Id love to help get you in there as weight training has changed my life FAR beyond the physical.

    and VICKIE? here’s to you seeing your strength.

    off to play babymama…

    (which is different from dragonmamma :))

  13. Holy crap Dragonmamma is strong!

    I dont lift weights either.

    I need to lose weight so I am doing all cardio now and will add in weight training later I think.

    Although you are close to having me interested….

    please enter me!

  14. So…I watched Dragonmamma twice. My knees STILL hurt. Dang woman! Now I feel motivated to perform the first exercise of the day: Lift Ass off Couch. I bet that’s not in NROL4W (I typed it twice as ROFL4W).

    If I win it I’m sending it to my motivational partner who I’m sure would put it to good use.

    Happy Hump Day!

  15. That video was incredible!! Me, I think I’ll stick to the traditional free weights – I would fall flat on my face if I tried any of the stuff Dragonmamma was doing.

  16. The best part about D’Mamma’s video is that ALL the exercises look fun! Doing sommersaults and handstands reminds me of all the summer days I spent tumbling on our front lawn when I was a kid. Totally inspiring & AWESOME!

  17. I lifted for a while and had to stop because I needed to cut back and start saving some funds. I miss it! I need to buy some weights and get back to lifting because my muscles need to get some tone to them.

    Gotta agree about the tagline though. Ew.

  19. I’m with Mara and still using the soup cans I saw you use in the facetimes.

    My question:
    How do we know when we are too strong for Campbells??

  21. I would love to have NROL – but am trying to rein in my fitness-related expenses! Schuler, Cosgrove, and Forsythe are all well-known cutting-edge trainers, so IMO it’s worth hearing what they have to say.

    I’ve done a number of different weight programs, including just making up my own, and I have two suggestions for a beginner: definitely DO come up with a program. If you don’t know exactly what your workout is on any given day, you’ll stand around a lot wondering what to do next. There are so many sources for programs (too many!) that I’d recommend starting with Krista at stumptuous.com. She has advice for beginners as well as specific programs.

    The other suggestion is that you don’t necessarily need to have weights, per se. You can do a lot of strength-building with body weight exercises. Ballantyne’s Turbulence is absolutely killer! I’m going to reference my own blog here, so I don’t have to look him up:
    http://weightandpaint.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-workouts.html#7turb

  22. Dragonmamma – I’m sitting here slack-jawed. Holy smokes, woman!

    I should be strength training, but I’m stuck indoors and don’t feel like it. Send book.

    Hey, folks, my friend Bob had to put down his k9 friend of 16 years yesterday. Peanut was quite a little dog who took great care of Bob all those years. If you have K9 units of your own, please walk them today in memory of Peanut. (Miz, sorry to horn in on your air space, but I’m feeling pretty sad here about the Peanut.) I walked my K9s this a.m. ice and all, in memory.

    Make it a great day.

  23. peeking in from the kitchen where IMO 80% of our bod is created.
    FGF?

    I do think that a LOT is genetics (you & I share that perhaps? The gift of the Jewish brain but, if you are in MY family, perhaps the SHARED lack of Jewish BRAWN?) but you can overcome those.

    For me it’s weight training and *low* processed white stuff (note I didn’t say CARBS) or I am fit **inside** but aesthetically look as though I have never hoisted a weight.

    (Thus endeth my rant 😉 I know I can ramble when I’m passionate. Need more?)

  24. All I can say is WOW! Dmamma your are amazingly strong. It made me cringe to watch you jump that high as I know I would have done a face plant. Watching you jump over the bench, same thing for me…face plant!

    Miz, thanks for the info on the book. I love that you admitted you were wrong. I value your opinion so if I don’t win, I will check the book out. Hoping the library has a copy!!! 🙂

  25. linda you were typing while my thumbs were flying.

    HORN IN AWAY!

    In Casa Miz we have a tradition I urge you to follow for Lindas friend:

    When a friend loses a dog we buy treats (bone food toys) and give them to the first homeless person we see with a k9.

    And Natalia? You are the straw (which broke my greedy back ;)).
    I’m gonna see if I can get another copy of the book (or 2? Will miz take NO for an answer?) to give away.

    Cue music fraught with suspense….

  26. Ooooh, I wouldn’t mind that book; I do weights now, but I’m sortakinda winging it and going with what I can pick up off the internets…

    (also, if I win it, I will mail it to Hanlie when I’m done because she is like the coolest chick!)

  27. I drag my bleary, pre-coffee brain over to the computer, and there I am on the screen! I forgot Mizfit was posting this today.

    Yeah, box jumps can be scary if you think about them. That’s why I don’t think about them! Do you notice that everything is padded, even the wall?

  28. I admit, I never got the book because of the subtitle. You’re the second person (that I think highly of) I’ve heard recommend it. If I don’t win it, I might have to go buy it.

  30. Oh, and it seems to me your book is finished.
    It is all here isn’t it?
    I am no longer in the industry but I am aware it is rough out there now.

    good luck,

  31. I have to agree with you, that title would have put me off…and I hold grudges so I probably never would have read it like you did!

    As a fitness instructor/trainer I get annoyed when I hear those words coming out of women’s mouths. I get even MORE annoyed when a guy says to me, “I don’t want my girlfriend to get all bulky…” UGH. *EYEROLL while imagining my fist contacting his big mouth…* 🙂

    I’m glad there is a book out there with some great info for women…too bad the title is such a throw off!!

  32. Okay. If I tried those jumps, I would fall on my face.

    I have a video. It’s of me dancing around the apartment like a lunatic, and I will not be sending it in. Actually, my husband made the video, but I didn’t want to lead in with “my husband made this video of me…”

    I’ve heard several great things about that book, but the title put me off, too. I’m definitely going to check it out, since I really need to get back into the weights!

  33. Upside down sit ups???? Are you kidding me????? I can barely do them lying flat on the floor!! You rock supreme Dragonmamma!!!

    Miz – if I didn’t adore you before, I surely do now. I think it’s admirable that you are not only admitting that you were wrong about the book, but you are willing to share the book with others. You are a good, good woman Miz!

  36. I would caution D’Mamma about needing total knee replacements due to her impressive work out. I do not recommend that deep a knee bend with those extreme forces. Just my educated opinion.

  38. Grrr… my connection is slow this morning and won’t let me watch the video. Be back later.

    I would like to read the book, though, because I swear I am going to be moving out of my current kitchen mini workout and back to the gym SOON.

  40. HOLY CRAP, MOTHER OF – er, G-D!!! 😉

    Dragonmama is HARDCORE! 😀 Dude, I’m super-impressed by the jumping beginning. My trainer had to spend some serious reassurance time on me just to get me to jump up on a step, LOL. (In all fairness, my knee sometimes spontaneously dislocates, though. On the other hand, it hasn’t done that for several years, now. But the memory is still strong. Damn ballet.)

    Andandand . . . I posted the other day about buying too many books in the bookstore, and THIS weightlifting book is the one I bought! Neat! (Um, so obviously don’t enter me to win. ;D) I admit I hated the subtitle, but I also admit that the marketers got me with the picture on the front. Every time I don’t want to lift, I look at that pic and think, “ohhhh, yeeeaaaaahhhh.” And I lift. 😉

  41. Okay, I admit to REALLY wanting to win this prize for one reason: my local library doesn’t have this book and they have some weird ILL system where I can only borrow from other libraries in North Central WV (where I live) and NONE of them have it.

    When I get back from my conference, I’m going to rededicate myself to strength training. I had an awesome run on the treadmill this morning, and I’m finally feeling like I”m getting out of my funk. I think this would help miz 🙂

  43. I’m proud of you MF! Way to go, girl. It can be hard to admitt when you’re wrong.
    Oh, yeah, and will try tot check out the book.

  44. Thanks so much for the review! I too am wary of weight books for women, but as a beginner, I’m also afraid of overly technical books designed for people who already know the basics, and are looking to gain that last bit of strength that will enable them to throw cars off of injured children and pull circus trains. This sounds like a great book, and I completely trust your recommendation. Looks like I too, will be headed to Amazon if I don’t win.

    I understand subtitles like this one to a certain extent. I can certainly imagine a publisher wanting to appeal to a wider, less-enlightened (and probably more in need of the book) audience. But I also think that it serves to reinforce a steriotype… a steriotype that I don’t think I’ve ever heard from a woman. I only hear it from men when I say that I’m encorporating weight training. The men that are ‘worried about me’ are clearly not men whose opinion means much to me.

  45. My word. Very impressive jumps!

    I’m a pretty good jumper, too. I can jump from the street to the top of the curb 9 times out of 10 without falling! 😉

  48. Wow, awesome video. I think I’d end up in the ER after attempting that!

    I would love,love,love to win the book. Did I say I would LOVE it enough???

    I’ll be starting a new routine next week and would love to have a program to follow for lifting.

  49. Two things……

    How old is D’mama? ‘Cause she jumps like a kid (and yes, that is a compliment!!) Wow.

    And Marianne? Thanks for thinkin’ of me, girlfriend! 🙂

  50. I got that book from Penguin Group! There will be a review of it to come:) And isn’t it great to see how your thoughts and attitudes change over time like that?

    Also I’m really sad because my computer just doesn’t let me view your videos (even when I find them on youtube). So I couldn’t see your video yesterday either. It’s very strange.

  51. I already own that book, and am in Canada anyway, so don’t enter me. However i wanted to say thanks for reminding me of that book! I read it and was all pumped to start the routines etc then I think Christmas came (last year) and I just never got around to it. No time like the present!

  53. I read the little bit linked to on the site..I think I’ll have to look this up and read it. Too bad Canada is out – I’ve love a copy.
    Practical intelligent logical waight training?
    I’m in…

  54. Dragonmama! Oh man that was inspiring! I feel all lazy, sitting here in my bathrobe watching it 🙂 That was awesome!

    This book sounds totally up my alley. I have been adding in more weight stuff, finally getting over my fear of bulking up more and just focusing on being stronger. That tag line is awful and would have had me moving on as well.

  56. [whine] But what if I want to lift like a goddess instead?[/whine]

    Actually the “New Rules” part in the title puts me off more than the tagline. Not into rules here much, and wary of newness.

  57. wow, dragonmomma!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU are one strong, flexible, she-woman machine!!! My workouts now look like child’s play. WOW!!!!!

    Nice tips for a beginner MizFit!

    Now I’m off to see if I can jump one mat!

  58. I really want this book.

    I’ve printed out your tips as well MizFit and will rewatch your workout videos.

    Ok what I really want is your book LOL with a GURL POWER tagline.

    Nancy

  59. Miz,

    Do you have a central location where we can see all your weight lifting videos? I know another blogger had a list somewhere. I was hoping the above viewer mail had links because I needed a quick couple of leg-strengthening routines. It snowed last night and I can’t go to the gym this morning!

    Love ya.

  61. Wait — so I /shouldn’t/ go for that beginning weight routine mentioned in your post? It sounded so simple! So doable! Waah!

    Okay. Morning whine over. On to my morning grumble…


  62. Peeking in and had to say:

    YESYESYES YES! Merry!

    The only retraction is the book mockage 😉 I really stand corrected there.

    and with regards to this:

    Do you have a central location where we can see all your weight lifting videos? I know another blogger had a list somewhere. I was hoping the above viewer mail had links because I needed a quick couple of leg-strengthening routines.

    yes and no. a central link HERE is coming but they are all listed here: http://www.youtube.com/user/chickenbus2006

  63. I’m about to start adding some sort of pull down back exercise to my routine – getting it from my PT next week. Excited to finally move from just baby bicep curls and lat raises to more functional moves!

  65. Way to go, dragonmamma! That looks like so much fun.

    I know what I’d have to do to get the strength for those exercises, but the coordination it takes to avoid the clumsy “oops – ouch!” genre of internet videos might be beyond me.

  66. First, Dragonmamma is SO MUCH FUN. I now have a mental image of her leaping over parked cars and other heroic feats…

    Second, I agree that I shy away from things that bill themself as [activity that anyone can do] FOR WOMEN. I rolled my eyes when I saw that a “Women’s Running” magazine had come out. Too often this just seems to mean excessive focus on being skinny, seems to me. Then again, this book sounds– great. Maybe I should keep an open mind. And they should change the subtitle in the next edition!

  68. I just started weight training 3 weeks ago, one class a week. It’s amazing how much stronger you feel. A book with great pictures of more weight training exercises would be perfect!

  69. I’m in the same boat as your reader that asked the question (it wasn’t me, was it?! lol). I have no idea what to do when it comes to weight training, yet I know I need to do it. I’d definitely like that book! (Although I can understand why you didn’t like the title)

  70. another draw dropping video there! Watching her do the jumps onto the mats was crazy! I felt the fear in myself as I watched her.. knowing that if I was given that task.. I’d be scared.. I used to love to do cartwheels and head stands…but ever since I’ve gotten older and probably fatter.. I’ve been scared to even try it! I think I’m more afraid I’d break something.. not so much that I’d look foolish.. hmmmm

    I’d love to take a look at the book!

  71. For those of you expressing concern about my knees…there is no question that pylometric jumping is NOT for beginners. You need to have a good, solid base of flexibility AND leg strength.

    Once that is taken care of, the muscles take the brunt of the impact. I honestly feel no impact in my knees at all; it all gets absorbed by my glutes, quads and hamstrings.

    Bag Lady; I’m 50. Not bad for an old lady, eh?

  72. Miz,
    Whomever said it nailed it: you are my fitness guidance counselor.

    You are so normal and not obsessive and have shown me a great deal the biggest of which being not to fear getting bulky (or old).

    Thank you for that.

    Kel

  73. I have no idea what to do when it comes to weight training, yet I know I need to do it.

    OK, here’s the deal.

    The book? AWESOME.

    The uberbasic program above? will totally work.

    Beginning resistence training with exercisebands and, when youve made the MIND/BODY connection, shifting to weights? PERFECT in my (as of yet not finished) BOOK!

    you really can put together a comprehensive workout for free using the videos I have at youtube.

    find em lacking in what you seek?

    please to chime in below…

  74. I TOLD you to read NRLW! TOLD you you’d approve of it. Glad you finally got around to doing so.

    It’s my “go to” recommendation for women who want to learn -or learn in more depth – about training. I find myself checking something in this book almost every week (can we say perfect form?)

    The only part I’m not totally thrilled with? The workouts. They would be killer for someone just starting, but I always felt like I didn’t do enough (sorry Alwyn…) in any workout.

  75. Miz, don’t enter me because I have the book (and LOVE it – I am glad you broke down and read it)… but I had to say

    HOLY FREAKIN’ DRAGONBEAST! Dragonmamma – you’re just freakin’ awesome.

  76. Still no video player on work computer, so I can’t watch the video, but Yay for dragonmama.

    And Yay for the book. You definitely made me want to ask for it for my birthday (after already inspiring me to lovelovelove Clean Eating magazine, which I cook out of almost every night). We use the Arnold encyclopedia per your suggestion, but my husband gets a lot more out of it than I do.

  77. The title sounds sexist but I’m gathering from your reaction to reading it that it isn’t. Guess it’s something I should pick up at Amazon, that is if I don’t win it here :o)

  78. I can’t get to the video from work (filtered bandwidth monitoring ugh) but my curiousity is peaked!

    I have some weight training questions!!!! (*jumping up and down in my seat waving my hand*)

    1) Which is ‘better’, free weights/dumbells or machines? Or a combo of both?

    2) My thighs tend to ‘grow’ when I do lower body strength training, how can I avoid that?

    3) My neck and shoulder area always seems to be more sore then the actual muscle I was trying to work (ie chest flys) Does this mean I’m doing something wrong with form?

    So does my name go in the random generator 3 times now? 😉

  79. WHOA! I was already impressed with Dmamma’s jumping, but then when she said she was 50! And, summersaults too. I have some new goals!

    The book sounds fantastic. I don’t like the title either.

  80. So does my name go in the random generator 3 times now?

    alas no but Im saving all those for an upcoming FACETIME or viewer mail.

    (I know, small consolation :))

  81. I could use all the weightlifting advice ever – but one question. Does it talk about how to do home-based workouts, or is it a lot of machine stuff?

  82. amy, good question.
    it has both machine and free weight exercises (which can easily be done at home!)

  83. WOW, Dragon Mama!!!! Those jumps were amazing!! You waaaaay have me topped. Great, great job! I had my kids watch and they are super-impressed. They were cheering for you, on pins and needles when you added more height…wish you could have heard the noise up in herre.

    Book? Need new advice, hope to win! 🙂

  84. Oooh! I could use that book! I have a LOT of books on the subject, yet I’m back to winging it these days.

    I can’t view the videos at work, so I’ll have to check it out later this week, when I bother to get on the internet at home.

  86. well…I finally gave in and hired a personal trainer to help me with the weights. I am on week 2 and I can’t wash my hair because my arms wont go above my ears. I would LOVE to be able to do the weights on my own, and this sounds like the perfect book to help me! Thanks for the recommendation Miz!

  87. @ Cyndi – I am going to take stab at answering your questions, someone can correct me if I am wrong.

    1) I usually prefer free weight, bands, or my own body weight when it comes to weightlifting. The reason is that a machine only works the muscle group the machine is designed for.

    For example, the leg extension machines works manly your quads. That works the front side. Now you got to find a machine to work the back side (the hamstrings) in order to balance it out. But machines are easy for beginners because it is design to prevent you from cheating on your form.

    Long term, if you do not balance the muscles that you are developing, you will end up with injuries.

    2) I think people are going to disagree with me on this one. But depending on your body types, there might some exercises that should be minimize.

    I read this book called “Escape your Shape” a few years ago. It mention that spoon shaped individuals should go with heavier weights on the upper body and use lower weight and high repetitions on the lower body to balance out the tendency to gain more muscle on the lower body. In that book, it also explains that most women mistakenly identify themselves as spoon shape.

    I also thought I was spoon shaped for many years, but turns out that I am a bottom heavy ruler shape.

    3. I have the same problem since my car accident. When that happens, I know that I am holding the tension on my neck and something is off on my form. What I do is reduce my weights and concentrate on my form. Then I increase back to my original weight the next workout.

    As for NROL4W, I love the book, especially some of the comments on the pulling and pushing equivalent of an exercise. I have a copy already and do not need to be entered in the drawing.

  90. Hmm…interesting stuff going on in these comments. I should click though my Google Reader more often!

    That book is going on the library list…unless I win it, of course 😉

  92. This looks really interesting, esp. since i agree that women should lift (sometimes heavy) weights. Do they talk about a weight lifting/ cardio balance? that’s still something i struggle with.

  93. Thanks, Josha! When I first posted it, I was actually thinking about deleting all of the shorter jumps because I didn’t want to bore anybody. My son told me I needed to make it tighter and add an action movie type of soundtrack.

    As it is, there’s only one scene I deleted. I made an attempt at an inverted burpee, and wound up sliding down the wall in an ignominious heap.

  94. Let me just say that I am completely impressed by the Dragonmamma video. For a 50 year old woman to jump that way brings a smile to my old face. 🙂

  95. MAN I LOVE YOU GUYS!

    Ive asked for another copy or 3 (that’s how I roll. All kinds of greedyllike for the Band) of the book and now I wait.

    Asithi? THANKS!
    a few thoughts to add there but Im out of time.

    It shall come in a different post.

    Toddler duty calls…

  96. I don’t need a book or to “escape my shape.” I want D’mamma’s knees! If she is my age or near, how is it my left knee is so traumatized? Is it because I did not jump that high? I am amazed and pained.

  98. OMG Dragonmamma!! Now I’m doubly impressed! We are almost the same age (I just turned 51) and there is no way in hell I could do that!
    New goal, coming up!!

    (think I’ll start small, though- jumping up onto the first step coming up from my sunken living room should do it, right?)

  100. glad to know you loved the book! one of my friends always raves about it but i wasn’t sure if it would be worth purchasing or not ! thank you! 🙂

  101. Dang impressive feat of jumping D’Mamma.

    I can see why you don’t like the title, MizFit. It is sort of a turn off. The information sounds good though. I’ll give it a looksee.

  103. Go d’momma!

    The title of that book would have turned me off, too. I get all stubborn like that. Glad you gave in and read it!

  105. I love Dragonmama/Naomi! Back when i first started with weights, I was on a bulletin board for Tom Venuto’s Burn the Fat Feed the Muscle and I used to correspond with her then. At least – I think it’s her! I’ve asked several times and she’s hasn’t replied. So dragonmama – is it really you? Have we been reunited after all these years??? 😉 And that is some very impressive jumping. Quads of steel, you!!

  106. I’m off to the library shortly with the wee ones, and I know what book Mama will be looking for today!!

  108. Wow D’Mamma-I’m impressed and hope that I have some of your strength when I’m closer to 50-won’t be too long for me.

    Would love the book to add weight training at home and mix up the machine workouts at the Y. I get into a routine too much. Probably would stay away from the free weight area until I feel more comfortable with free weights.

    Also hate the title.

  109. I have the book, and I did start to read it a couple months ago…Then I got sidetracked. Hopefully I will find the time/energy to pick it up again one of these days…Good to know that it is MizFit Approved!

  110. I’d love to get the book, may buy it anyways. I’m a pretty big gal, getting beaten into shape by my Y drill seargent-I mean trainer- and am really workin the weights. I NEVER see anywomen lifting as much as I lift and it can be a real downer. Not to mention I have a fat suit on that is shrinking slower than the muscles under it are ‘growing’ so I feel like I’m bulking up and have to work at not buying into that falsehood of bulk. I know once I find that blasted fat suit zipper, I’ll have arms like yours—ok, maybe more like that Xena warrior chick. Anyone remember that show?

  111. you guys are amazing.

    seriously.
    if we caint get another copy to give away, well, you KNOW what I’d think about that.

    we are BOISTEROUS and surely could sell many copies *for* them by word of mouth huh?

    Miz

  112. charlotte Says:
    February 11th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
    I love Dragonmama/Naomi! Back when i first started with weights, I was on a bulletin board for Tom Venuto’s Burn the Fat Feed the Muscle and I used to correspond with her then. At least – I think it’s her! I’ve asked several times and she’s hasn’t replied. So dragonmama – is it really you? Have we been reunited after all these years??? And that is some very impressive jumping. Quads of steel, you!!
    ****
    Wasn’t ignoring you on purpose, Charlotte, I never saw the other messages to me. Yeah, I’m the same Dragonmamma! Remember Moe and Chuck and Hudg? We all still hang out on Moe’s Take No Prisoners Forum:
    http://www.yourfitnessjourney.com/tnp/index.php
    Drop by and say hello to everyone!

  113. Aw Miz, you can rewrite that book’s tagline for yourself if you don’t like it. How about, Lift like a man, have the cojones to admit it when you’re wrong, like women do. 🙂
    I LOVE THAT DIANA!

  115. WOW.
    I’m late today and look what I have missed.
    I have seen the book many times in stores and passed on it for the same reason.

    I should have looked inside but assumed it would be condescending given the title.

    Thanks for the heads-up Miz!

  116. I’ve been wanting to read this book for a while. I love Brad Schoenfeld’s strength training books for women, so I sort of put it aside.
    Mostly because NROLW has you use equipment that I just don’t have access to currently.

  117. OMG.. dragomama is so awesome. And I like seeing that people like to have fun like me. The only thing is I am not at dmama’s fitness level.

  119. Wow. Dragonmamma, I had no idea from your comments that you were actually insane. Awesomely insane, though. 😉 I’m way impressed. Were those Chuck Taylors? I just recently started wearing those for squats so I could do lower squats (which I heard are actually easier on the knees because you don’t stop in a bad spot–something like that). I was thinking of that as you jumped into a low squat position.

    I actually have the Rules of Lifting for Women book, but I confess I haven’t read much of it yet, though it did intrigue me. I bought it when I bought several other books so it got shuffled to the bottom of the pile and then forgotten. I’ll pick it up again postpartum.

  120. When I am sweating away on various torture devices that promote cardiorespiratory fitness (fancy term from one of my classes in school but I like to sound fancy) I watch what people do at the gym. There is a group of younger guys who do this extreme jumping thing much like the video and it blows my mind. I love it! Right now a jump does more damage to my body than good… but one day!

  122. Hi Miz,

    I know I am too late to win the book but I more have a question for you:

    I really like your blog and wonder why you are always promoting other people’s books?

  123. Lainie, I’m wearing Airwalks, which is the cheap, knock-off brand of Chuck Taylors that they sell at Payless Shoe Source, usually in a variety of colors and patterns. Half the price, but exactly the same as far as I can fell.

    These are absolutely my favorite shoes for the weight room, too, because they’re totally flat. You heard correctly; any time you’re in a squat position, you don’t want any lift in your heels at all, because you want your body weight back in your heels. Most guys say that switching to flat shoes automatically adds about 10% to all their lifts.

  124. That sounds like a very feminine approach to weightlifting (and I promise not to get all gender studies/english major analytical up in here). Based on what I’ve seen in the weight room, guys have very little interest on training safely and listening to their bodies; I think it’s why they don’t seem to enjoy yoga as much.

    Am I saying that this is a natural state-of-being for males? Absolutely not! But the cultural conception of “masculinity” pushes these “hyper-masculine” (at least *they* think they are) muscle-bags to disdain the idea of safety. It has been my experience that women are more likely to lift unsafely, unless it’s out of sheer ignorance (and when that’s the case, they’re much easier to correct).

    Um. Anyway.

Trackbacks

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This