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Finished first workout, have questions.

Flip-Mode Posts: 38 Joined: 2005/09/26	2005/10/05, 05:27 AM Hi guys, first I want to thank you all for giving me motivation to actually get up and do something. I have started dieting and this is 4th day and it isn't bad at all so far. I have just finished my first workout about an hour ago, it was biceps, triceps, abs and shoulders plan and my questions are: 1) Do I use less weight in order to complete the reps that the plan has set for me or use slightly bigger weights and do 3-4 reps less then the plan stated? 2) My lower back hurts a bit after the workout, it also hurts when I sit too much and generally I think I either have a weak back or its damaged, anyhow I only worked with 5-12.5kg weights and the questions is should I use a belt to counter this or add some back workout to my plan? Thanks!
bropie Posts: 1,084 Joined: 2004/12/04	2005/10/05, 09:02 AM 1) do what your plan says. 2) could be a result of not having used those muscles very much in everyday life. i wouldnt advise a belt.. you will never build up the muscle that way, just protect it from being used. pain is common, especially after just starting a work out plan.
Flip-Mode Posts: 38 Joined: 2005/09/26	2005/10/05, 09:30 AM Yeah but I'm just very afraid I'll hurt it... The problem is that the gym only has 5kg dumbs and 7.5, 5 is too light for me and 7.5 is a little too heavy...
yooperjim Posts: 104 Joined: 2005/09/01	2005/10/06, 04:34 AM just go with the lighter weight for now, do a few more reps, or an extra set if you need to. Your body needs time to adjust to the abuse. you really dont want to risk injury and get discouraged at this stage.
Flip-Mode Posts: 38 Joined: 2005/09/26	2005/10/06, 08:00 AM Alright, I'll do the 5kg for another week or two. I got a case of DOMS now on all the muscles I worked yesterday, most of them are swollen and are much bigger then they used to be especially the shoulders. Thanks for the help.
sstump1 Posts: 1,227 Joined: 2005/03/20	2005/10/06, 08:48 AM This is normal when you first start. Hang in there...in a few weeks it'll pass and the 7.5 will be too light. When we work out we're essentially damaging our muscles by breaking down the muscle fibers. When they heal they heal back stronger then before. The pain your feeling now is normal, but it won't always be as uncomfortable as it is today. In about a month you'll think you're doing something wrong cause it won't bother you anymore...which isn't the case either. Hang in there!
Flip-Mode Posts: 38 Joined: 2005/09/26	2005/10/06, 01:43 PM Thanks for the help ppl, tomorrow is leg workout! I'm going to have sore shoulders and arms AND legs :surprised: