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Complete Novice Seeking Help

planethell Posts: 4 Joined: 2004/11/04	2004/11/08, 11:53 AM Hi - I'm completely new to all of this and I just have a few very basic questions to ask. 1)The only weights I have are dumbells so I opted for the home exercise plan which uses cans etc. as weights. If i were to just to can curls/side laterals with dumbells instead of cans what sort of weight should I be using? (16 male) 2)I have had minor tendonitis problems from guitar/computer and when doing press-ups feel pain and pins and needles in my wrist. Am I doing somthing wrong (how can i do a press up wrong!?) or is this because of my previous problems. 3)I tried some 'chins between chairs' earlier for a laugh and found that I felt the work being done mainly in my arms...is this again bad form on my part or what? Thank you in advance for helping with my ignorance :)
jonathanweaver Posts: 576 Joined: 2004/06/14	2004/11/08, 02:35 PM For #2, find a good chiropractor or physical therapist that specializes in extremities and have him/her work on your wrists. I used to get those pains just from pushing off the table to stand up, but no more. Good luck. I'll let the pros answer your other questions. -------------- I will never grow up, just old. Duct tape is like The Force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the universe together. - Carl Zwanzig Jonathan
yadmit Posts: 4,670 Joined: 2003/10/05	2004/11/08, 03:08 PM For number one, start light... use a weight you can lift but that isn't too heavy.. make sure you have the form correct, then move the weight up... it's a lot of trial and error... if you can't make the reps, don't worry about it... lower the weight and do 'em again next time with a lighter weight... when you get comfortable with the form, adjust the weight... the last couple of reps on each set should be difficult to do, but not impossible... If I'm not mistaken, Chins Between Chairs are for the back... when you do them, try lifting your body with just the upper back... I found those pretty damned hard, but once I figured out what body part I was supposed to use, it became a bit easier... Hope that helps... -------------- t I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies, for the hardest victory is over self. - Aristotle You have the power to change a life right in your own hands. - Paul Brandt
planethell Posts: 4 Joined: 2004/11/04	2004/11/09, 11:25 AM Hey - I did try and reply to say thankyou lastnight but FT was down. Firstly I will probably take your advice and go to see a specialist as my GP just told me to have 2 weeks rest and it would go away (I did and it didn't) Secondly the advice on Chins between chairs was good and i felt more back work when i concentratedon lifting with my upper back rather than pulling myself with arms. Finally with the weights i tried 5 kg for 15 reps a few times and that was ok - is that way to light to actually build any muscle? Sounds light but I am a weakling ::(
yadmit Posts: 4,670 Joined: 2003/10/05	2004/11/09, 11:37 AM Well, you have to start light to get the form correct... don't start too heavy our you can get discouraged adn give up.... work your way up in weight when you are comfortable with your form.... -------------- t I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies, for the hardest victory is over self. - Aristotle You have the power to change a life right in your own hands. - Paul Brandt
jonathanweaver Posts: 576 Joined: 2004/06/14	2004/11/09, 12:13 PM I'm still using 5 and 10 pound dumbbells for my shoulder flyes. Don't feel bad about lighter weights, feel good about the fact that you are doing them. They'll grow on ya, and you'll be pumping the 15 before you know it. Just don't try to goo up too soon. -------------- I will never grow up, just old. Duct tape is like The Force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the universe together. - Carl Zwanzig Jonathan
planethell Posts: 4 Joined: 2004/11/04	2004/11/09, 02:31 PM Ok thankyou for the replies - I'll try and not bother you again for a while. :big_smile:
yadmit Posts: 4,670 Joined: 2003/10/05	2004/11/09, 02:35 PM Hey... no bother! Never be afraid to ask a question... better safe than hurt.... -------------- t I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies, for the hardest victory is over self. - Aristotle You have the power to change a life right in your own hands. - Paul Brandt
planethell Posts: 4 Joined: 2004/11/04	2004/11/13, 06:22 PM Hehe - just couldn't stay away for long... Been carrying on fine with everything but after reading several posts about people damaging elbows I just wanted to ask: When I use dumbells for bicep curls/hammer curls my elbows feel fine at the time but the day after they feel really stiff even though my bicep muscle itself feels fine - am i doing something wrong that the joint hurts more than the muscle?