There's a challenge in here somewhere...

well, i'm pretty sure i can't do 29+ in a row lol

Doesn't have to be a set number - could be improvement as a percentage of what you had done, and what you can do after say, a month of training.

Okay so my numbers are nothing spectacular, but here they are:

I use free weights at home, everything is dumbell weights.

Bench: Max is 60lbs (30 each hand)
Sqats: Max is 70lbs (35 each hand)
Lunges Max is 70lbs (35 eadch hand)
Deadlifts: Max is 40lbs (20 each hand) Little worried about injury here, I stick to a weight I can be sure form is 100%, could go higher on the weight)(
Biceb Curl: Max 20lbs each arm (pushing it)
Tricep: Max is one 35 lb dumbell overhead (not sure what to call it)
Push-ups(on toes): I can do 20 if I start cold, otherwise maybe15-16), I have been working on improving here.

My biggest weakness with lower body is that I have trouble holding the weights. I am thinking on a machine my weights would be much higher with legs as they are definately stronger than my upper body. To be honest I have never worried about the weight as long as I get a good workout.

Do you mean holding on to the weights Missy? If so, you can do grip exercises (and get new toys to help you do it).

thanks missy. i hear ya on holding the weights. my grip strength is not great either and is something i should work on.

i dont use machines for anything. free weights only. although i use the bar for squats and barbells for a few other things.

I take that back. I lied. I use the machine for assisted dips and pullups so that i can do more that 1 lol. I also use the cable machine for lat pull downs or seated rows occasionally

Missy,
Great job! We lift about the same amount with the exception of the deadlifts....I do a lil more. Lately, I've been wondering if I should do less weight more reps because I already have a big butt and thighs.... ecck lol any suggestions?

I have one wrist that is messed up too, the dumbell thing I haven't tried but I'm curious. After I did those push ups I suffered. I had to sleep with ice. stupid stupid stupid, and I didn't crank them out either, I was huffin' it big time at the end so maybe some didn't count. lol.

sparrow, does your wrist hurt more when you bend it flat to the ground like a push up? thats when mine hurts. if so, you should def try them with dumbells

You lunge as much as you squat, and you deadlift as much as you curl...you need to re-evaluate what you're doing in your workouts. That is functionally and effectively a disaster. You must have many imbalances and functional strength deficits: you need to start working on balance or risk musculoskeletal issues and injuries for years to come.

Maybe you should start worrying about that...

No: These are functions of weight loss first and foremost...low weight/high reps is relatively worthless in terms of strength training: I routinely have my weight loss clients performing 2-4 rep sets within their programs. Don't fall into the "high rep light weight" garbage

Good points Jonathan.

One thing, though, is I doubt those are true max weights listed. More likely, they are the most she feels she can do within a certain rep range, but probably not the most she can actually do in one rep.

Us girls are just not conditioned to constantly be testing our 1rep max for bragging purposes the way guys are (namely football players).

Also, she mentioned that the weight for bicep curls is pushing it, and the wt for deadlifts is light (not a max), so the ability of those muscles aren't really strangely out of whack.

However, I understand your point that the muscles need to be challenged appropriately to their strength capabilities.

(and, I totally agree that girls should not be afraid to go heavier than 12reps)

Jonathon,

Could you elaborate? I am open to suggestions for sure. The deadlift weight is low out of fear, I herniated a disc in my back 9 months ago. I still experience some pain and am afraid of reinjuring myself. Deschain is right about the max weights, they are what I know I can do in a rep range. Thanks in advance

Jonathan, I second that... please elaborate more. Thx