Arm strength training for the beginner

[indysteel]

Respectfully regarding the previous poster, there is no such difference between "toning" and "bulking". You build muscle and you lose muscle, that's it. Definition (ie: a more "toned" appearance) occurs when you lose enough fat to let the muscle show through, which is more easily accomplished through cardio work.

So true. I spent a year in a toning class offered at work. We essentially did light weight lifting (lots of reps) for a year but I didn't see much in the way of visable results. Then I started riding and lost about five pounds. I suddenly had cut arms for the first time in my life. What a revelation.

[rij73]

Thanks for the corrections! I was repeating something I heard or read a long time ago and stuck in my head. Guess it's not really true.

[VeloVT]

Thanks for the corrections! I was repeating something I heard or read a long time ago and stuck in my head. Guess it's not really true.

Well, there's a kernel of truth there, even if "toning/bulking" isn't the most accurate description... Weightlifting that emphasizes high reps (8-12, or more) with (relatively) low weight increases muscular endurance (trains slow-twitch fibers that marathon runners depend on), while weightlifting that emphasizes low reps (4-6) with heavy weight increases explosive power (trains fast-twitch muscles that sprinters depend on). Either way though, to really benefit, you should reach failure at (or occasionally before! ) the last rep -- so the 2lb weights probably aren't doing that for you.

Most of what I've read regarding weight training for endurance athletes, however, suggests that low reps/heavy weights are more useful even for endurance athletes, given that everyone has limited time for training and most endurance athletes are able to do a pretty good job building muscular endurance just by their core training activities (running, cycling etc). If time/fatigue/overtraining is not an obstacle, one could combine both types of weight training into his or her training schedule, or could periodize (maybe endurance-focused lifting in the off-season, segueing into power-focused lifting during race/event season, if there is one).

I go through phases where I'm good about lifting and phases where I'm not, and I feel much better in every respect when I'm doing it (note to self: start going to gym again...). I have some weights at home but ultimately I need to go to the gym to really lift, since the amount of weight I need to get a good workout for my lower body is far more than I can lift over my head, and I don't have a rack or anything like that at home.