2008 Woodie Awards
Buy your tickets to the gunshow in the gym
Alex Matthews
Issue date: 2/9/06 Section: Sports
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When thinking about weightlifting, sweat-drenched macho men may pop into mind. One can almost hear the pained groans of die-hard lifters as each struggles to make one last dumbbell curl or bench press.
While this typical image is often associated with the gym, the weight room is really not that frightening. Following a cardio workout with some upper body lifting will give an added boost to any routine.
The arms specifically attract exercise attention because many men and women find dissatisfaction with their own.
According to an April 1999 Men's Fitness article, life revolves around "the guns" for most guys, motivating them to work out relentlessly to get buff arms.
For women, the upper body tends to be a problematic area holding extra weight, according to the at iVillage Web site.
But not only women aim to tighten the arm muscles.
Shannon Peterson, a trainer in the Emerson College Fitness Center (ECFC) said many people just want to tone up. Toning, as opposed to muscle building, involves "more reps, less weight," Peterson said.
ECFC trainer Stacey Schaedler added that toning is not just about looks and trimming down. Increased strength and endurance also result from smooth exercises that emphasize repetition.
But if bulking up is a priority, a different approach to weightlifting should be taken. In contrast to toning, Peterson said "more weight, less reps equals muscle."
To many, this means "big guns."
Junior Paul Suda, an acting major, has been working out regularly since his freshman year. In the past few months, he has changed the way he works out and has seen the benefit.
"This past summer, I changed my routine, and I've gained 20 pounds," Suda said. "[With] fewer weights and more weight, I went from 195 pounds to 215."
Lifting to the point of passing out is not a fool-proof plan, however.
Schaedler said some of the most common weightlifting mistakes are lifting too fast, using too much weight, or a combination of both. Peterson agreed.
While this typical image is often associated with the gym, the weight room is really not that frightening. Following a cardio workout with some upper body lifting will give an added boost to any routine.
The arms specifically attract exercise attention because many men and women find dissatisfaction with their own.
According to an April 1999 Men's Fitness article, life revolves around "the guns" for most guys, motivating them to work out relentlessly to get buff arms.
For women, the upper body tends to be a problematic area holding extra weight, according to the at iVillage Web site.
But not only women aim to tighten the arm muscles.
Shannon Peterson, a trainer in the Emerson College Fitness Center (ECFC) said many people just want to tone up. Toning, as opposed to muscle building, involves "more reps, less weight," Peterson said.
ECFC trainer Stacey Schaedler added that toning is not just about looks and trimming down. Increased strength and endurance also result from smooth exercises that emphasize repetition.
But if bulking up is a priority, a different approach to weightlifting should be taken. In contrast to toning, Peterson said "more weight, less reps equals muscle."
To many, this means "big guns."
Junior Paul Suda, an acting major, has been working out regularly since his freshman year. In the past few months, he has changed the way he works out and has seen the benefit.
"This past summer, I changed my routine, and I've gained 20 pounds," Suda said. "[With] fewer weights and more weight, I went from 195 pounds to 215."
Lifting to the point of passing out is not a fool-proof plan, however.
Schaedler said some of the most common weightlifting mistakes are lifting too fast, using too much weight, or a combination of both. Peterson agreed.
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