When to start lifting?

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denielle715
denielle715 Posts: 101 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey everyone! I've been off and on dieting/exercising for years. Recently, I hit one of my highest weight, 165lbs. The day after christmas, I committed to eating better as a starting point. Since then, I've lost 13lbs. I haven't been very active, so my endurance is very low.
On Monday, I plan on starting HIITMAX (in the past I've done Insanity).
So I'm wondering when I should begin lifting? I've never lifted before, never even stepped into a gym before. But I really want to start.
My question is, should I begin cardio to slim down a little more before starting weight? Thoughts or input would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Replies

  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
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    Teen years are typically the advised starting point. If you didn't start then, then the best you can do is start today.
  • AJ_G
    AJ_G Posts: 4,158 Member
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    When to start lifting: Yesterday
  • denielle715
    denielle715 Posts: 101 Member
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    Got it.
    I wasn't sure. I've heard so many different things.
    I'll be investing in a gym membership immediately.

    Any pointers on a starting program? Websites? Etc?
    Thanks again
  • joneallen
    joneallen Posts: 217 Member
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    Check out bodybuilding.com for routines and some inspiration.
  • AJ_G
    AJ_G Posts: 4,158 Member
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    denielle715 wrote: »
    Got it.
    I wasn't sure. I've heard so many different things.
    I'll be investing in a gym membership immediately.

    Any pointers on a starting program? Websites? Etc?
    Thanks again

    If you're a beginner, I'd suggest Starting Strength or Stronglifts 5x5. Very similar programs, great for building strength as a beginner.
  • CA_Underdog
    CA_Underdog Posts: 733 Member
    edited January 2015
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    Stronglifts is a great suggestion! It's a simple in-and-out program that hits all the major muscles using compound movements. Don't be afraid to ask the gym staff or other members for help, and consider 1-3 personal training sessions to help you learn good form

    (To avoid injuries and to target the right muscles.)
  • sjaplo
    sjaplo Posts: 974 Member
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    AJ_G wrote: »
    When to start lifting: Yesterday

    Definitely this.

  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,868 Member
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    AJ_G wrote: »
    When to start lifting: Yesterday

    Last week...
  • denielle715
    denielle715 Posts: 101 Member
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    Thanks. Downloaded the 5x5 app!

    And since I haven't mastered the art of time travel yet, I will begin asap!
  • 530roman
    530roman Posts: 1,819 Member
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    denielle715 wrote: »
    Thanks. Downloaded the 5x5 app!

    And since I haven't mastered the art of time travel yet, I will begin asap!

    Great attitude. Go get it in!
  • jmc0806
    jmc0806 Posts: 1,444 Member
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    AJ_G wrote: »
    When to start lifting: Yesterday

    this
  • zipa78
    zipa78 Posts: 354 Member
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    denielle715 wrote: »
    Thanks. Downloaded the 5x5 app!

    And since I haven't mastered the art of time travel yet, I will begin asap!

    Two great choices there, congrats! And remember: start slow and don't try to rush things. The heavy weights aren't going anywhere, they'll be there waiting for you when you are ready.
  • Mary407
    Mary407 Posts: 635 Member
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    530roman wrote: »
    denielle715 wrote: »
    Thanks. Downloaded the 5x5 app!

    And since I haven't mastered the art of time travel yet, I will begin asap!

    Great attitude. Go get it in!

    Yes! You'll be glad once you get started, and will wish time travel was possible. I started lifting at 38 and have seen great progress... which just makes me wonder what would have happened if I'd started at 18 or 28.

    When you join a gym, you may find that they offer free or heavily discounted intro personal training sessions for new members. If so, jump on this! Even if you don't plan to work with a trainer long term, you can get a lot out of a few sessions, especially if you are straight up with them in terms of your goals (e.g., new to strength training and interested in following one of the programs mentioned above).

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