How long does it take to double what you can lift?

[Black Diamond]

Just starting out.

[jimnyc]

Just starting out.

Age? What type of lifting? How much you lifting now?

[Black Diamond]

Age? What type of lifting? How much you lifting now?

36. bench press about 160, I'd say...

[Mr. P]

Just starting out.

It all depends on the quality of the "Diamond".
If it's high quality SHE"LL left it immediately regardless of the weight!



Sorry, I just couldn't resist.

[CSM]

hmm... hard to say. It really depends on how much you work out, your metabolism and a whole lot of other stuff. If you are just starting out or haven't done it in a while, you may want to take it easy. If you overdo it (the whole macho thing will wreck ya!) it could hurt you pretty bad. I had help when I first started and that was the advice they gave me. Of course, I'm old so it takes me a lot longer to heal so I definitely did not want to overdo it.

[Black Diamond]

hmm... hard to say. It really depends on how much you work out, your metabolism and a whole lot of other stuff. If you are just starting out or haven't done it in a while, you may want to take it easy. If you overdo it (the whole macho thing will wreck ya!) it could hurt you pretty bad. I had help when I first started and that was the advice they gave me. Of course, I'm old so it takes me a lot longer to heal so I definitely did not want to overdo it.

Thinking of lifting three days per week.

[ConHog]

Thinking of lifting three days per week.

Just curious, why a goal of lifting 320?

[Nukeman]

Just curious, why a goal of lifting 320?

Because some of us can!!!

[Black Diamond]

Just curious, why a goal of lifting 320?

benchmark.

[Nukeman]

hmm... hard to say. It really depends on how much you work out, your metabolism and a whole lot of other stuff. If you are just starting out or haven't done it in a while, you may want to take it easy. If you overdo it (the whole macho thing will wreck ya!) it could hurt you pretty bad. I had help when I first started and that was the advice they gave me. Of course, I'm old so it takes me a lot longer to heal so I definitely did not want to overdo it.

What he said. You're 36 so you will not see gains quickly. If you are just attempting to double what you lift your going to have to pack on muscle, the only way your going to do that is by working on primary muscle groups and eating a lot foods packed with protien, of course you are also going to see weight gain as well.

Start with doing the following

3 sets of 10 at 80% of your max bench, (and all other primary muscle groups) do this for 2 weeks redo your max and repeat. You will see gains but they wont be huge. Like all things it does take time.

If you haven't been a lifter don't overdo it. DON'T just do arms concentrate on ALL your main groups do Bench, squat, dead lift, straight arm curls with bench bar, lat work, and clean and press with dumb bells. These will hit all the major muscles to build strength. this will also cause you to put on weight because your going to need to EAT.

Good luck, for more detailed workouts go to menshealth.com They have a lot of 4-6 week plans and remember to mix it up at least every 4 weeks otherwise your muscles get "trained"...

[Black Diamond]

What he said. You're 36 so you will not see gains quickly. If you are just attempting to double what you lift your going to have to pack on muscle, the only way your going to do that is by working on primary muscle groups and eating a lot foods packed with protien, of course you are also going to see weight gain as well.

Start with doing the following

3 sets of 10 at 80% of your max bench, (and all other primary muscle groups) do this for 2 weeks redo your max and repeat. You will see gains but they wont be huge. Like all things it does take time.

If you haven't been a lifter don't overdo it. DON'T just do arms concentrate on ALL your main groups do Bench, squat, dead lift, straight arm curls with bench bar, lat work, and clean and press with dumb bells. These will hit all the major muscles to build strength. this will also cause you to put on weight because your going to need to EAT.

Good luck, for more detailed workouts go to menshealth.com They have a lot of 4-6 week plans and remember to mix it up at least every 4 weeks otherwise your muscles get "trained"...

Ok. And do this 3 days per week?

[Nukeman]

Ok. And do this 3 days per week?

yup.. Mon-Wed-Fri, rest over the weekend. If you are just starting out you will need the rest. and EAT.... Can try some whey protien if you want, you can get it at Wal-mart or GNC... Really about anywhere..

[Thunderknuckles]

Ok. And do this 3 days per week?

To start with.
Like Nuke said, you don't want to overdo it. Ease into a bit. Once you really get going you can train daily, alternating muscle groups every other day. Always good to mix a little cardio in there for good measure.
Depending on your height, age, and body type benching 320 might be a bit much. Low to Mid 200's is a good all-around goal and you will have good musculature.

[Gunny]

Just starting out.

Not sure what the question is. It would depend on the lift, and the amount of weight. Fotr instance, if you are bench pressing 100 lbs, I'd say it won't take long at all. If you are bench pressing 200 lbs, I'd say you got a tough row to hoe. A standard when I was a kid before the bench press kings came into play (How much can you bench, bro?) was being able to lift your own bodyweight from the floor to over your head at least once.

It also depends on your goal. People lift weight for different reasons. I lift for strength. Others lift for looks. That will also determine your workout, and the exercises you use.

So, if you could elaborate a tad bit more, the question could have an easier answer.

[Black Diamond]

Not sure what the question is. It would depend on the lift, and the amount of weight. Fotr instance, if you are bench pressing 100 lbs, I'd say it won't take long at all. If you are bench pressing 200 lbs, I'd say you got a tough row to hoe. A standard when I was a kid before the bench press kings came into play (How much can you bench, bro?) was being able to lift your own bodyweight from the floor to over your head at least once.

It also depends on your goal. People lift weight for different reasons. I lift for strength. Others lift for looks. That will also determine your workout, and the exercises you use.

So, if you could elaborate a tad bit more, the question could have an easier answer.

I bench about 150, so would it be half way between not taking long at all and a tough row to hoe? I will be using a nautilus type thing, as I don't have a spotter (not sure how much equipment matters). I'm lifting primarily for strength reasons, at least initially.