Women Should Never Lift More Than Three Pounds!?

After my Warp Speed Fat Loss training today lifting weights to failure at 6-8 reps, I came home and watched yesterday’s episode of Oprah Winfrey. Gwenyth Paltrow was the scheduled guest and the promo said she was going to talk about her exercise program. Now, I think she’s pretty gorgeous so I wanted to see how she stays fit, especially after having had two young children. I also know that she does/did ashtanga, so all the more incentive to watch the show.

Well, I was shocked! She works out 2 hours per day, 6 days per week. I guess I expected someone as tall and lean as her to not have to work so hard. But the most shocking part was when her personal trainer said “No woman should ever lift more than 3lb weights.” Three pounds and long cardio workouts? That goes against everything I’ve learned. But then again, look at Gwen! The proof is in the pudding.

But really, how long can someone sustain 2 hours/6 days per week? I guess if it’s something they truly find enjoyable. Then after my initial shock, I realized that I used to do that with my Ashtanga practice – nearly 2 hours every morning 6 days per week except moon days.

I’ve been trying to do Ashtanga every day at home, but it’s just not the same intensity without a teacher. Good news is, I ran into my former Ashtanga teacher a few days ago and he said he may be coming back to teach in my hometown! Yay – fingers crossed.

So maybe 2 hours six days per week isn’t excessive. But 3 lbs weights? My forks and spoons are heavier than that! Unfortunately, I lift those TOO often.

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KaliLilla.com

Lynda,
You're right I've hiked for 2+hours in the past and time FLEW by.

Ron,

"little more meat on the bones would be much nicer" - Yay! Ron wins bonus guy points today for this comment. :D

Ron

Hmm, 3 lbs of weights and 2 hrs of cardio may be good to keep a very thin profile like Gwyneth, but a little more meat on the bones would be much nicer!

Marbella

You know, the hours fly by so fast, and I find that I walk many days over 2 hours. What would be really too much would be to do WEIGHTS for 2 hours. All the other stuff is probably not that intense. She evidently wants that *lean* look that models sometimes talk about....
Lynda

KaliLilla.com

I guess it's just a matter of finding what works for you. 12 hours of aerobics per week is something I couldn't sustain for very long. But 12 hours of Ashtanga, I loved it! Or a 12 hour mix of weights, running, biking and bodyweight circuite is cool too.

Like Zoey said, it all depends on your goal and what you're willing to do to achieve it.

Alex HK

Her approach seems to be targeting to keep the fat off, not to get rid of excess fat. These resistance things she is doing and leg raises etc also seem to add an aerobic component, if not the aerobic component is the majority of her training. Makes sense, burn calories using the aerobic component, but still use your muscles using light weights and rubber bands etc.

Adam, I am not sure if the 45 minutes rule applies to cardio/aerobic too, but it sure does sound like she is having one session at night time ("you have 45 minutes before I put the kids to bed").

Maybe stars just eat (and drink) too much, so she needs 2h.

Adam Waters

Hi Lilla, I think 2 hours is a lot too, especially in one session. I believe most experts say 45 mins is optimal for one workout session, (but she may do a split session).

juli gets happy

Two hours is a lot...

Anonymous

Heh. Well, Gweneth doesn't look like she lifts more than 3lbs, she is slim and tall and long, but not muscular...so I guess it's all about whatever look you are going for. I was thinking 2 hours is too long, too, but then I realized that when I add up the hours I spend cycling...it's about the same! Zoey