I want to start using weights, help please!

CranstonJ2016

Hello,

I lost about 10-14lbs (holidays...) my goal is to lose 40lbs total...so i need about 30lbs...give or take.

I am running, to train for a half in May, and I have been doing a HIIT program (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByBWGnRchrKwZFZsZDRoRGFCWUk/view) its ok, but boring, and I am looking to get into a 30 day stength training program that includes weights or machines.

Please let me know what you all use. I'm not really looking to gain mass? I just want to continue to lose weight and to tone up. Primarily my arms and legs.

My kangaroo pouch is my main issue but I always gain there first so I know I'll tone there last

CranstonJ2016

Also, I'm going to cuba on the 4th, no gym at the resort, please give me a few workout routines to use other than squats and lunges while I'm there.

H_Ock12

While you're away, you can add push-up, crunches, pullups, Russian twists, planks to your routine for strength training.

Check out bodybuilding.com for some strength training workouts. Strong Curves or Stronglifts may fit your needs, but both programs are designed for longer than 30 days.

DancingMoosie

I'm confused about the 30 day thing...Why 30 days of strength training? What happens after the 30 days?

CranstonJ2016

There are 3 levels. Do 30 days on level one, 30 days on level 2 then 30 days on level 3....so its a 90 day program.

I'm looking to do something different that incorporates weights..

CranstonJ2016

I like to take things month by month. So 30 days work for me. Too big of a program and I get lost and stop doing it....30 days is just a number that works for me

DancingMoosie

So you already picked a program? I am not familiar with 90 day strength programs with 3 levels. I know more about progressive lifting...(compound lifts using free weights)

CranstonJ2016

I added the website of the program I was using...I'd like to add weights but I find the program I am currently using to be a bit boring...

What is progressive lifting?

DancingMoosie

Progressive overload, you increase sets, reps, or weight over time. For example: beginning bench press 5 sets of 5 at 45lb(empty bar). Next week 5x5@50lbs or 5x6@45lbs if not ready to increase weight. I do something like stronglifts 5x5. You can look it up and see the schedule, it's a 3 day rotation based on 5 main lifts(bench, squat, ohp, row, deadlifts.). There is also an app that will help you keep track of your weights.
I didn't realize the link was for your strength program, I thought it was your Hiit routine. If it's a video, I can't watch it.

slivesey77

You might want to consider getting a kettlebell. And if you're looking for an instructor, I think Zuzka Light is pretty awesome.

clayleihy

You could try Bodbot. It tailors your workout based on your specific abilities, schedule, equipment, and goals. You can walk into the gym (or your living room) with the app on your phone and not have to know what you're doing, just follow instructions.

reyoflightphoto

You can't really just do a 90 day program and then have a great body for life. If you want a strong, healthy, sexy body, you have to make healthy eating and training a way of life. The minute you go back to the old ways that got you where you are today you will lose everything you work for. It's all about commitment. If you aren't willing to change your habits and train regularly as a way of life, you probably shouldn't bother with the 90 days. Unless of course you just think it would be a fun thing to try.
That said, I would check out http://stronglifts.com/5x5/ This is a strength training program designed for beginners. And don't worry about building too much mass. That is only achieved by hardcore effort and eating at a surplus. It never happens by accident, and is painstakingly hard for those who want it bad. I would also check out this book. http://www.thenewrulesoflifting.com/nrol-for-women

CranstonJ2016

I actually never said I wasn't committed to changing my habits. I think I've done well and I have my goals in mind.

90 days was just a training program, which I can change up as I choose without being accused of not being committed to my workout routine. Thanks though.

I do appreciate the other comments though, I will be looking into them.

This isn't the first post I've done where people jump on the negativity train lol I won't be checking this post or any others from now on. This "community" isnt really supportive in my mind. I'll just do my own research instead of asking for advice.

Unknown

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kgeyser

CranstonJ2016 wrote: »

Hello,

I lost about 10-14lbs (holidays...) my goal is to lose 40lbs total...so i need about 30lbs...give or take.

I am running, to train for a half in May, and I have been doing a HIIT program (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByBWGnRchrKwZFZsZDRoRGFCWUk/view) its ok, but boring, and I am looking to get into a 30 day stength training program that includes weights or machines.

Please let me know what you all use. I'm not really looking to gain mass? I just want to continue to lose weight and to tone up. Primarily my arms and legs.

My kangaroo pouch is my main issue but I always gain there first so I know I'll tone there last

If you have some free weights at home, you can always check out Fitness Blender for workouts. There are also some home workouts, I seem to remember Jillian Michaels 30 day shred as being pretty well rounded in terms of exercises. I think you may even be able to find some of the workouts in that program (there are 3 different workouts) online for free.

I'm not having much luck with google searches for plans, everything I'm finding is heavy on squats and lunges, has a few back workouts, but completely ignores chest exercises.

DancingMoosie

I'm confused as to just who was jumping on the negativity train...I thought we were giving advice and asking questions to understand what you wanted..

canadianlbs

CranstonJ2016 wrote: »

I am looking to get into a 30 day stength training program that includes weights or machines.

i think the problem with what you're trying to do is: beginner lifting programmes tend to be linear in their progression. they don't go in blocks of x days. they just go 'start lifting, keep lifting, add weight'. there are programmes that run on 'cycles' but those are more useful for intermediate lifters.

if you're totally set on the '30 day' thing, you could try wendler 5/3/1. i'm not strongly recommending it, just name it because it's what i'm doing so it's a name that i know. and it runs on four-week cycles.

i can't say anything about whether it's the right entry point for you though. i did 5x5 for a year and 3x5 for almost a year before i switched to wendler. there may be people here who have used it as their starter programme who could give you feedback on that.

orrrr . . .. you could just start something like stronglifts and tell yourself you're gonna do it for 30 days. then when the 30 days is up, tell yourself you're gonna do it for 30 more days

i don't mean to be unhelpful but lifting and strength really are progressive things. it's just not like hiit where you can commit to a shortish time frame, do intense work in that time and then you almost have to back off or you'll burn yourself out. with compound lifting in particular, your body takes time to adjust and improve to meet the challenge. so lifting is more like doing c25k. it's not the kind of thing that a hiit protocol works for.

CranstonJ2016

canadianlbs wrote: »

CranstonJ2016 wrote: »

I am looking to get into a 30 day stength training program that includes weights or machines.

i think the problem with what you're trying to do is: beginner lifting programmes tend to be linear in their progression. they don't go in blocks of x days. they just go 'start lifting, keep lifting, add weight'. there are programmes that run on 'cycles' but those are more useful for intermediate lifters.

if you're totally set on the '30 day' thing, you could try wendler 5/3/1. i'm not strongly recommending it, just name it because it's what i'm doing so it's a name that i know. and it runs on four-week cycles.

i can't say anything about whether it's the right entry point for you though. i did 5x5 for a year and 3x5 for almost a year before i switched to wendler. there may be people here who have used it as their starter programme who could give you feedback on that.

orrrr . . .. you could just start something like stronglifts and tell yourself you're gonna do it for 30 days. then when the 30 days is up, tell yourself you're gonna do it for 30 more days

i don't mean to be unhelpful but lifting and strength really are progressive things. it's just not like hiit where you can commit to a shortish time frame, do intense work in that time and then you almost have to back off or you'll burn yourself out. with compound lifting in particular, your body takes time to adjust and improve to meet the challenge. so lifting is more like doing c25k. it's not the kind of thing that a hiit protocol works for.

Thank you for the information. This was helpful. Being told no one understands was not helpful. Thought I was pretty clear lol I just want a new routine but with weights and gave an example of what I had been using.

I looked up 5x5 and seemed a little limited so I did download wendler and it seemed smoother to use.

I wasnt trying to "get fit quick" in 30 or 90 days. Those are the programs I know. I will just creat a strength training goal to achieve within 30 days and then create another goal for the following month. Thank you Canadianlbs for understanding what I was trying to say.

I'm looking forward to a new challenge. Thats what we're all here for right? To challenge ourselves?

Cheers.

capaul42

You could also look into Strong Curves. It's set up in 12 week programs but the workouts (A, B, C) are broken down to week 1-4, week 5-8, week 9-12. The exercises change each block but the format stays the same. They have 4 different programs, one of which is bodyweight so you could do that on your vacay.

DancingMoosie

Ok, so I finally got around to looking at that link you posted. Not something I would like, not many exercises each day. If you like to combine your cardio with strength, there are some fun videos that you can do at home with dumbbells. Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 or 30 day shred (and she has many others,) The Firm 500 calorie workout, Denise Austin Body Boot Camp are all DVDs I've tried and seem very balanced. You can progress by doing the workouts more times per week or by increasing your hand weights(maybe start with 3s the first 10 days, then increase to 4-5s...) There are just so many options. Find something that you like, that is fun, and that motivates you to keep going.