want to start lifting, any advice?

mistressmozart

Hello! So, I have done weights in the past, using machines and I love it. Also handweights at home. I would like to start lifting heavy. I do have a membership to a gym but I can't afford a personal trainer. Can anyone recommend any good videos or books about lifting so I can learn to do it properly and avoid injury (i also don't want to look like an idiot at the gym haha). Any personal advice? I'm really excited and looking forward to getting stronger. thanks in advance for any tips!

girlinahat

Stronglifts 5x5 (available free on the internet), Starting Strength and New Rules of Lifting for Women are good beginner programmes. Follow a recognised programme and don't try and make something up yourself at this stage.

Starting Strength is good for breaking down moves, but follow everything up with youtube videos - hopefully someone will have some good recommendations on those.

All of the above programmes are good compound lifts. I printed out pictures from New Rules of Lifting, took them to my gym and asked for someone to show me those specific lifts and only those.

good luck!!

tugsandpulls760

I can't afford a trainer either but I seen a guy about the same body frame as mine lifting I watched him for a while then I started a discussion with him and he was more than happy to help me out

mistressmozart

Andrew, that's a good idea but honestly I find the men at my gym intimidating (also i live in a foreign country and my language isn't fluent yet) and I don't see women lifting to talk to.

girlinahat thanks for the recommendations! i'll check out those programmes

AmandaHugginkiss

Check out Bret Contreras. He's got a few books out, and a web page. Honestly, at first, I would stick with the Stronglifts 5x5 plus hip thrusts for a good 3 months and then switch completely to Bret Contreras' program. Get the basics right first and then incorporate more.

Watch videos on Youtube and work on form every time.

tillerstouch

Bodybuilding.com also has a lot of videos on how to do exercises if you don't want to search youtube, also it has a lot different work out routines on it.

One tip if you can try to find someone to workout with you. It really helps you lift harder when you have a spotter/buddy. They don't need to be as strong as you either. My gf is my lifting buddy/spotter and I'm typically lifting more then she weighs lol. If you can find a spotter though make sure to still push yourself.

Goodluck and have fun!

AllanMisner

The New Rules of Lifting for Women book is probably the best one.

Start with lighter weights (or body weight) until you get comfortable with the proper form. Slowly add weight to make the workouts progressively more difficult/build strength.

Allan Misner
NASM Certified Personal Trainer (Corrective Exercise Specialist, Fitness Nutrition Specialist)
Host of the 40+ Fitness Podcast

pondee629

AllanMisner wrote: »

The New Rules of Lifting for Women book is probably the best one.

Start with lighter weights (or body weight) until you get comfortable with the proper form. Slowly add weight to make the workouts progressively more difficult/build strength.

Allan Misner
NASM Certified Personal Trainer (Corrective Exercise Specialist, Fitness Nutrition Specialist)
Host of the 40+ Fitness Podcast

This would be my advise. Start light, ridiculously light, you can increase your weight very easily. You can't recover from an injury that quickly.

finneyjason218

This is what I always tell people. If you don't know how to do an exercise, find the most muscular dude in the gym and ask him how to do it. He will be flattered - no one needs validation more than men who lift weights. Plus, he knows a thing or two, no one who spends that much time in the gym learns nothing. Heck, he'd probably give you a whole regiment if you asked for it. And bam, you get free personal training. Repeat this a few times, compare-contrast, and you'll be an expert in no time. You'd probably even pick up a friend or two

harrybananas

finneyjason218 wrote: »

This is what I always tell people. If you don't know how to do an exercise, find the most muscular dude in the gym and ask him how to do it. He will be flattered - no one needs validation more than men who lift weights. Plus, he knows a thing or two, no one who spends that much time in the gym learns nothing. Heck, he'd probably give you a whole regiment if you asked for it. And bam, you get free personal training. Repeat this a few times, compare-contrast, and you'll be an expert in no time. You'd probably even pick up a friend or two

+1. Nothing worse than harming yourself at the beginning of your new journey.

Though it'll vary, as in some guys may be more helpful than others, it's a lot better than not having any help to start. Once you get the hang of things and get comfortable with the equipment, exercise movements, and yourself, you'll be at a place you may have never even thought you'd be. We all were in the same place you were at some point.

DaddieCat

Strong Curves
New Rules of Lifting
Stronglifts
Starting Strength
Ice Cream Fitness
All Pro Beginner
Nia Shanks' Lift like a Girl/Beautiful Bad-*kitten* programs

All are great entry level programs, although I enjoy the Starting Strength book... it's been my favorite and most useful read thus far regarding mechanics.

peaceout_aly

Follow Julia Gilas and Yoventura on Instagram! Both have great work out tutorials for full body weight training.

mistressmozart

thanks everyone for your advice! I had a terrible bout of the flu (aggravated my asthma too) so I'm just coming back. I checked out bodybuilding.com but it's all a bit overwhelming. Luckily my gym is having a special on personal training so i'll be starting with her on monday. I'll also check out the books that everyone recommended. thanks!

Buff_Man

Search in you tube. Livestrong has some good videos also strengthcamp.

hayleysb25

Defiantly try bodybuilding.com I know its a bit scary but so much good information. Also have a look at Jamie Eason's Live Fit 12 week trainer its amazing and so easy to follow.

BalletAndBarbells

I would really recommend SL5x5 - it's free on the net, has videos to show you good form, is only 5 exercises to learn, it's easy to follow and only takes about 45mins 3xweek and most importantly it works! I'm 6 weeks in and I've gone from Squatting 25kg to 85kg (I'm a 60kg 5ft 6" female). I was also intimidated by the blokes in the gym but this program is so easy to follow you don't need any help. Now I'm into it I have now confidence and have made a few gym friends and don't mind if I get funny looks for being the only girl in the weights section! Some days I'm lifting heavier than the "guy" in the next squat rack!

mistressmozart

thanks everyone for your advice and input! I checked out bodybuilding.com and all of the other recommendations and I've started lifting

Now i'm just trying to get a handle on the macros thing and I should be set

I'm really excited about starting my transformation!

drwilseyjr

Search "Buff Dudes" on YouTube. Those guys have well put together videos focusing on proper form, mistakes, exercise variations and more. They also have a companion channel for recipes.