Women who lift!

steffie113

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

lishie_rebooted

Look up New rules of lifting for women, stronglifts 5x5, strong curves, Nia shanks beautiful badass

steffie113

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

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

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

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

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

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!