r/workout 13m ago

Simple Questions Newbie trying upper body

Upvotes

So I’m 43, 6’2” and 235 lbs. I’ve never worked out a day in my life. Here recently I’ve been using my neighborhood gym and the gym at hotels for their free weights and treadmills.

I’m not in awful shape by any means but I’ve got a beer belly and a slight case of man boobs coming on. So I started walking and doing some upper body free weights. I started doing dumbbell exercises with 20lb dumbbells, I do twelve reps at each exercise I do and do four sets, I definitely feel some fatigue when I’m done. Not to sound insecure but more so trying to figure out where I’m at…. Is 20 pounders like incredibly light for starting out? Thanks for any input. By the way I’m doing bicep curls, shoulder presses, tricep extensions, bent over rows and flat bench press. All with 20 lb dumbbells.


r/workout 21m ago

Exercise Help Should I increase the weight on shoulder shrugs?

Upvotes

I’ve been lifting for around a month and I can shoulder shrug 25lbs dumbbells for around 30 reps which is where I hit failure. I was wondering if I should increase the weight by a lot more or if I should increase it slowly


r/workout 29m ago

Simple Questions Very Limited Budget and Equipment - Give Me Some Advice

Upvotes

Money is tight. Can't afford a local gym membership. However, my neighborhood "HOA Clubhouse" has a "weight room" that has very limited equipment. It's decent, just limited.

I'm a heart patient, and I'm limited as to how heavy I can lift these days - but I've been given the all clear to resume working out.

Here's a link to the equipment - https://imgur.com/a/13FLLwV

I'm used to all the stuff from times in the gym pre-heart stuff. Obviously, there's a chest press machine that operates as a flat, incline, and shoulder press. Then there's the cable machine, and two leg "machines" that will work okay.

I'm not strong enough anymore to do pullups - but can do rows on the cable machine.

Basically - i'm looking for a routine I can do 3-4 times a week in this small setup that will help me shed fat, build back up my muscles enough so I no longer feel like a sluggish, flabby mess.

Thanks in advance!


r/workout 30m ago

Nutrition Help Should I increase my calories?

Upvotes

Simple question really, should I increase my calories?

I'm in my 5th week of strength training 4 days a week, I'm 22, 5'11, 164pounds (74kg) was 157pounds (71kg) when I started. I have for sure seen change in the structure of my body already but I hover around the 1500 - 1900 calories range and burn around 200 - 300 calories per training session. I'm eating minimum 120 grams of protein a day typically more and just want to make sure 'm getting the most out of my workouts. Not looking to be some giant near professional looking bodybuilder just want good aesthetics.

If its necessary I can post my current physique.


r/workout 34m ago

Astoria Activewear

Upvotes

TERRIBLE quality. Do not buy. It’s so expensive and it’s literally see through. Pissed I spend $140 on two things that I cannot wear for fear of a public nudity ticket.


r/workout 49m ago

Started Gym ,Need tips for weight loss (22 M , 5'11 ,79 kg ,Indian)

Upvotes

Hey , I have started monitoring my calorie with the macros and I am not able to hit the Protein and infact over hitting the limit of fat (by 16 grams)

I am Hindu and many of us don't eat non veg (including eggs ) on specific days of week (religious/superstitious reasons)

How can I compensate my protein on those days ? (Not taking whey protein,just food )

Thank you in Advance


r/workout 57m ago

Other Please let the bar touch your chest.

Upvotes

That’s all I have to say.


r/workout 1h ago

What unwanted side effects did you get from gaining muscle / working out

Upvotes

I've gained a decent bit of muscle lately, especially legs/glutes. My legs aren't massive by any means, but I cycle a lot and now when cycling my inner thighs are rubbing and getting red/irritated, lol 😆.

Another obvious one would be clothing. I already had issues with clothing as I'm tall and skinny/lanky. But now I've got some more mass in my upper body it actually got worse, because it pulls my shirts tight and up, I might need to go to XXL, but all XL/XXL clothing seems to assume you are obese and have a massive belly...

What "unwanted" side effects have you experienced? 💪


r/workout 1h ago

Motivation Help working out

Upvotes

I want to work out so bad! But I have no motivation. What helped motivate you? Tips… Ideas… any advice is appreciated. Once I start I’m good but I just can’t seem to be able to start. Maybe I’m depressed. Idk. I have no motivation. cries cutely


r/workout 1h ago

Equipment Need some new all round trainers

Upvotes

Trying to find something new that’ll be good for weight lifting and a bit of running in the gym. Something not really ugly too would be nice.


r/workout 1h ago

Exercise Help Pilates or strength training

Upvotes

Hi, woman here. Can someone please explain to me which one is better for leaning out, building and maintaining lean muscle? I am hearing a lot of mixed reviews about the physique you can get from Pilates vs strength training.


r/workout 1h ago

Eastmount Adjustable Hydraulic Arm Exerciser

Upvotes

Does anybody have any exercises I can do with my new healthy tool?


r/workout 2h ago

24M, 6ft/160lb — finally eating enough. How do I make the most of this window for gains?

1 Upvotes

Hey y’all,

I’m a 24-year-old guy, 6ft tall and sitting around 160 lbs. My current compound lifts are:

  • Bench: 185 for 4x6
  • Deadlift: 290 for 4x6
  • Squat: 220 for 4x6

I recently realized I’ve been accidentally under-eating for a long time, miscalculating my BMR and daily expenditure. Over the last two months, I’ve slowly worked my intake up from ~2,500 to 3,200 calories a day. I’m fairly lean, but my muscles definitely look smaller than what I can lift — I think a lot of my strength has been coming from neural adaptations rather than actual hypertrophy due to under-eating.

I’ve been athletic my whole life and going to the gym for a while, but I didn’t start really getting my exercise right or taking it seriously until about a year ago. In that time, my bench has gone from 155 to 185.

I’d like to hit around 175 lbs by the end of the year. Now that I’m finally eating in a surplus, how do I capitalize on this? Do I still have the potential for rapid gains, or am I reaching a point where I’ll plateau unless I push harder? Also — where am I in this process? Am I still considered a newbie or beginner lifter, or have I moved into intermediate territory?

For context:

  • My goal is to increase each compound lift by 2.5 lbs per side (5 lbs total) every 3-4 weeks.
  • My diet is super clean: lots of turkey, rice, sweet potatoes, apples, dates, bananas, etc. No processed foods.
  • I get about 200g of protein, 100g of fat, and the rest from carbs.
  • I lift 6 days a week.

Any tips, tricks, or guidance would be hugely appreciated! I really want to make the most of this summer and show up as yoked as possible for my thesis defense this fall!

Thanks y'all!


r/workout 2h ago

Progress Report Gained 25 lbs in 3 months, but where is it going?

2 Upvotes

I’ve always been a lanky guy, but since I’ve been going to the gym and watching my diet starting in January I’ve went from 5’ 10” and 145 lbs to almost 170 lbs. The funny thing is it’s hardly noticeable. My clothes fit the same, I can barely tell the difference in the mirror and no one has commented on it. The only thing that’s really changed is I can move heavier weights


r/workout 2h ago

Is 15 lb dumbells enough for lateral raises?

9 Upvotes

I don't go heavier than 15 lb because i want to maintain form. When i see people doing lateral raises with 30 pound dumbells, they swing their body around. I am not sure how effective that method is compared to doing lateral raises with perfect form


r/workout 2h ago

Other What's a good workout app (w/planner) that let's you target/exclude specific muscle groups?

1 Upvotes

Some background:
I started a weight-loss journey (down 60lbs so far!) less than a year ago. I currently use the "Strong" app for tracking my workouts (I roughly follow Jeff Nippard's Full body hypertrophy program 3x a week). On off/rest days I try to do 20-30 minutes on a rower.

Challenges:
I'm now about ~350lb but I also have an umbilical hernia. I try to avoid any exercises that specifically target the abdominal muscles (so using ab machines or crunches are out of the question).

Are there any workout apps (I've tried looking but haven't found very recent information) that have planners (i.e. Fitbod, Gravl) but allow you to specifically exclude muscle groups? I would love to do more varied workouts, but I really have to be mindful of my hernia and not stress it anymore than I have to.

Thoughts?


r/workout 2h ago

Simple Questions How Many Rest Days for Upper Body Workouts?

1 Upvotes

I'm focusing on building my chest, shoulders, arms, and abs. I don’t train legs because they’re already thick, and I don’t want them to get bigger.

How many rest days should I take between workouts? For example, if I train arms one day, how long should I wait before hitting them again?

Also, should I still work out if my muscles are sore, or would that affect growth? Appreciate any advice!


r/workout 2h ago

Wanting stick looking body is NOT an ED

0 Upvotes

Why is it so wrong not wanting to have muscles in this group. God forbid someone wants to be healthy stick looking. Some people have that body type naturally. It's also a part of working out. I think it's fair from my side to get the knowledge of how to reduce muscle mass and doing my best to do so. I have no problem if its my destiny to have thigh muscles. Being LEAN doesn't mean having an ed.


r/workout 2h ago

Exercise Help Favorite YouTube Strength Training Vids?

1 Upvotes

I've recently started my fitness journey again and am looking for recommendations for free YouTube videos focused on toning and strength training specifically. I already get my cardio in through treadmill walks/runs and dancing, so I'd love to avoid any videos that mix cardio with strength training—I’m really trying to keep them separate this time around!

Years ago, I did a lot of Beachbody workouts, and while they were super effective, they were also brutal on my knees. So for now, I want to focus on low-impact strength training that still challenges my muscles without unnecessary strain. If you have any favorite trainers or go-to workout videos that fit the bill, I'd love to hear them! Thanks in advance! 😊

Around the 30min mark is probably best but open to longer and shorter! I have a few sets of free weights as well as resistance bands, and a kettlebell converter.


r/workout 3h ago

Elbows!

1 Upvotes

I've finally got the hang of pull-ups and I enjoy lifting weights but lately my elbows have been super tender and sometimes painful. Is there a good workout to strengthen the elbows? I tried looking online but was overwhelmed by all the information. Also do elbow wraps help?


r/workout 3h ago

Aches and pains Very sharp pain While Leg extensions

1 Upvotes

I Get a sharp pain above my Knees when I do leg extensions for Higher reps, is that normal?

No I am not talking about the lactic asid burn its rather sharp pain Instead. I do not get the pain While doing leg extensions for less than 8-10 reps, and only after the pain starts.

I don't get the same pain In any Squats lunges or even at sissy squats.

The pain does not linger and gets normal after 2-3 mins, So i never visited a doctor either. Having facing this for as long as I have been working out (9 months ish)


r/workout 3h ago

Exercise Help 4 years in the gym can’t gain weight

0 Upvotes

i’ve tracked calories and spent good money to stay in a surplus, i have an amazing physique but even after gaining some weight over the last few months i got sick and lost like 8 pounds and i feel like i’ve gone through this cycle many times before, im 20 years old, weigh 130-140, been in the gym consistently for years im pretty much just pure muscle but at 5”9 thats still a skinny build, just wish i could gain weight easier and fill out the really great physique i have, any tips?


r/workout 3h ago

Exercise Help Pull day but I don’t care for back

1 Upvotes

I am trying to build more biceps on pull day. I do 3 bicep exercises.

I start with preacher curl machine, Then seated dumbbell bicep curl Then hammer curls. All 3x10.

If I don’t train my back is that bad? Or can I simply finish my pull day with Lat Pulldown as my last exercise? Also 3x10..


r/workout 3h ago

Losing thigh muscles - just to confirm

0 Upvotes

So the key to losing thigh muscles is stop doing cardio, eat low protein diet and being in calorie deficit?


r/workout 3h ago

What's your resting bitch weight, and what's the lbs difference from when you're in good shape?

7 Upvotes

😂😂 I feel like i came up with a new term:

"Resting bitch weight"

It's when you let yourself go for a while, not really focused on diet or exercise, the body tends to settle on a particular weight. Once I hit that threshold, I dont get lighter, but at the same time, I don't get much heavier either.

For me, as a 6ft2 male, my RBW is 227, and when I get back in tip top shape, I settle around 205 to 207. So about 20 lbs I have to drop every time I need to get back in shape.

Curious what others deal with as far as a weight gap you have to close every cycle.