Some help with setting up a basic routine inc strength training (f)

jenlaura

Hi there, today was a big day for me. My first day at the gym, I've lost 5 stone thus far without the gym, eating well and clean, doing body strength workouts and light cardio with walking and just being more active. I can finally be consistent enough to warrant my gym membership and I truly had a fantastic time. Everyone there was lovely. This is the kind of workout I am eyeballing at the moment, please lmk your opinions on it and anything I should consider changing.

Warm up stretches then,
5-10 minutes cardio (I like to keep this short and sweet, doing quick bursts of very intense cardio or using some kind of resistance to make it a lot harder) generally dislike cardio.

1-3 set (6-12) Dumbbell squats
1-3 set (6-12) Dumbbell bicep curls
1-3 set (6-12) Dumbbell lunges for each leg.

5-10 minutes cardio

Each set with a 2 minute rest inbetween or light jogging/stretching.
I use weights that I can lift 6-12 times and try to challenge myself.
I plan on getting a personal trainer or someone to check my form and give me advice. The weight machines are getting very tempting because I can struggle to motivate myself when I am doing the dumbbells by myself and I can feel a bit shaky (as they are more difficult) so it is tempting to just use the machines.

Any advice is hugely appreciated. Thank you!

Cherimoose

Congrats.

A little shake is good when lifting. You'll get more from freeweights.
It's best to follow an established lifting program, like NROL.. Stronglifts.. a personal trainer's plan.. the one in my profile.. etc.

By the way, no need for static stretches before exercise unless a muscle is so tight it will negatively affect form.

Carry on...

dbmata

Agreed on finding some sort of program that works and not making your own. Either from a trainer, or a pre-existing package.

jenlaura

Understood. I will speak with a personal trainer on this in more detail. I am looking at stronglifts and it does look promising. I will watch some videos on form and try to get some feedback. The only tough part of the personal trainer is paying them £30-40 an hour for the program, but it's a small price to pay if it's going to set my journey off well.

dbmata

I work with a trainer, and that monetary investment in my health, strength, and well being is better than my investments in precious metals, ammunition, or my stock portfolio.

Think of it like that, and I bet paying 30-40 per hour for a trainer doesn't feel so expensive now.

jenlaura

It's a cost I couldn't keep up though most likely. It would be a now and again thing to make sure I am progressing I think, unless I am willing to chisel some money somewhere out of my wages.

dbmata

If you can invest enough for 4-8 sessions and do it consistently once or twice a week. Hell, even half hour sessions.

Then you'll have a basis and background with which to better choose what kind of programming to go to and how to proceed as a lone wolf.

jenlaura

Is their information truly that valuable? by no means am I questioning you or anything, but is there nothing I can research online and get some background information on etc, any books I can read and try to simply use their time as form check and as and when I need to shuffle things around?

dbmata

Oh you can do research, and you should.

Yes their information is truly valuable. There is a significant difference between book/theory learning, and then knowledge gained from experience.

You and I read the a squat should be like A then B then C. Well, what happens if there is a physiological issue preventing you from going from A to B during the movement? A competent trainer will identify and help you resolve that.

They'll also learn who you are, what you can do, and what you want to do. Then develop programming especially for that. My strength trainer has been invaluable to me, in strength development, dealing with my physical limitations, mental limitations, and then helping me surpass them.

I would not be where I am today without that service provider.

jenlaura

Can honestly say I never thought of it like that. You have me convinced Thank you for your help.