Women who lift!

steffie113
steffie113 Posts: 25 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi I am a woman who has lost over 8 stone in total through swimming, running, metafit. I want to start lifting it have no idea where to start...

I'd like to work more on my upper arms and abs as I feel these are the areas that need improvement.

Any help would be appreciated, any workout plans involving weights ect...

Thanks in advance

Replies

  • lishie_rebooted
    lishie_rebooted Posts: 2,973 Member
    Look up New rules of lifting for women, stronglifts 5x5, strong curves, Nia shanks beautiful badass
  • steffie113
    steffie113 Posts: 25 Member
    lishie_rebooted wrote: »
    Look up New rules of lifting for women, stronglifts 5x5, strong curves, Nia shanks beautiful badass

    Just looked up Nia Shanks very useful!

    Am I ok to squat whilst training alone or do I need a partner to watch my posture ect...?
  • lishie_rebooted
    lishie_rebooted Posts: 2,973 Member
    I'd practice at home with a broom to get the form right, film yourself and you can post it here for others to check. Or hire a trainer but trainers can be dodgy
  • IsaackGMOON
    IsaackGMOON Posts: 3,358 Member
    steffie113 wrote: »
    lishie_rebooted wrote: »
    Look up New rules of lifting for women, stronglifts 5x5, strong curves, Nia shanks beautiful badass

    Just looked up Nia Shanks very useful!

    Am I ok to squat whilst training alone or do I need a partner to watch my posture ect...?

    That entirely depends on you.

    If you feel comfortable with the weight , you should be ok (hopefully your squat rack or cage has safety pins). As for form, it is a plus to have a friend there just to make sure everything is on point. I guess videoing yourself doing a squat and analysing it afterwards could be an option?
  • steffie113
    steffie113 Posts: 25 Member
    I have a bar at home to practice with so maybe I'll just start from there, I have attempted a few times in the gym but I'd prefer to know I'm doing it right.

    Just to avoid back injury, mine plays up from time to time when I run too much.
  • intangiblemango
    intangiblemango Posts: 38 Member
    I mean, there are two options: one is to pick a training plan. Popular beginner programs include Strong Lifts, Starting Strength, and Strong Curves. You would want to watch a lot of youtube videos and do a lot of reading to make sure your form doesn't suck. The other option (and this is what I did) is to track down a personal trainer who is good at his or her job. Powerlifting gyms and other weight-focused gyms are good places to look because you don't want someone who is going to put you on the treadmill or give you two pound dumbbells.
  • ElizabethKalmbach
    ElizabethKalmbach Posts: 1,415 Member
    All these suggestions are great! Another suggestion (both cheap and less intimidating than some options) is to grab a workout partner with similar goals and start a program together. A workout partner may not be as knowledgeable as a trainer, but they will be free, and their company can reduce the intimidation factor of starting something new.

    Squats in front of a mirror with both front and side view definitely helps my form. I try to make sure I move around the gym (different racks) from time to time so that my view of my squat changes. Just when I think I'm doing well from the front, I'll see myself from the side and realize that I still need to work on my back positioning. :)

    Good luck!

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