What did you wish you knew back when you first started lifting?
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abbynormalartist
Posts: 318 Member
I am just starting to lift weights and wanted to hear what you guys and gals wish you knew when you first started. The time it took? The program that worked best for you? Was it easier or harder than expected?
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Replies
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what macros were.
what actual beginner programs were.
and how long it takes to really change your body.
lifting haphazardly for years meant I lost a lot on gains. unfortunately.3 -
Proper Nutrition is 80% of the battle.2
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I wish I knew...
-How long it would take to build my dream body (still going even after 2.5+ years)
-The importance of actually following a program vs. just going about it on my own
-That I didn't have to eat 100% clean/bland/boring to see results, treats can be good not only for enjoyment but for lifting energy too!
-That I didn't have to lose weight to reduce my bodyfat. At one point I was at a healthy weight but I kept losing thinking that's what I needed to do. However it did pretty much push me into a bulk, so it was a good lesson learned!
-How hard it was to actually get bulky as a female, two bulk cycles later and I am wondering where this bulk is...?
-How important it is to have patience despite the weight fluctuations that lifting can bring... stay the course, it will be worth it.
-Weight is just a number... taking measurements, photos, using the mirror.. these things should all be used to track progress
The time it took- still going.. started lifting May 2014, started following a program September 2014, bulked/cut, had my second baby Jan 2016, lost the weight, bulked again, now I am cutting. I see a few more bulk cycles in my future.
Program that worked best - Strong Curves or variations of it. I seem to work well with a full-body program with lower body focus.
Easier or harder? I guess harder. I really didn't realize what I was getting myself into.. now I can't get out! (I think that's a good thing?!)6 -
How important nutrition is. I've been working out for nearly two years and have only just stopped being in denial about the fact that I need to track my macros if I want to improve (my lifts and aesthetics have plateaued for MONTHS following the initial 'newb gains'.)
Also, consistency. It's no good to work out like a madman 6 days one week and then only once the next. Find a routine/frequency that you can realistically stick with on a long-term basis.2 -
Being that was 35 + years ago. I wish there were access to info readily. Programs would of been nice as well as knowing what a deadlift was.2
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catherinestanford wrote: »How important nutrition is. I've been working out for nearly two years and have only just stopped being in denial about the fact that I need to track my macros if I want to improve (my lifts and aesthetics have plateaued for MONTHS following the initial 'newb gains'.)
Also, consistency. It's no good to work out like a madman 6 days one week and then only once the next. Find a routine/frequency that you can realistically stick with on a long-term basis.
That...it takes time, be in it for the long haul.0 -
I started lifting when I was 14/15 years old...I wish I would have understood the importance of structure and good programming rather than haphazardly doing whatever. Lots of wasted time.2
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I wish I'd starting lifting at the same time as I started losing weight. Would have been nice to keep most of that muscle I'm trying to get back now1
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I am only two months old in lifting, doing SL 5x5.
The most important mistake I made so far is to focus on increasing load regardless of the form and technique.
I guess I realized early enough so avoiding the risk of injuries and taking the best advantage of each routine. The issue was the force of will to voluntarily reduce load.
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Aside from the "eat better/train better/program better"
I wish I had known how to control my weight, even before I started lifting.
I've spent a lot of time cutting weight just to gain it back extremely quickly. RIP all the gains that were lost.
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The correct form when squatting and deadlifting. Form is everything. Get the proper form and save your spine.3
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Wish I had known about HIT or "Heavy Duty", in my youth. Would have been further along vs. now, at 40.1
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Nothing. I had a lot of fun learning along the way. I maybe would have started with 5x5 instead of Wendlers.
That said, I was on these forums a lot so my nutrition was in line and I was quick to get on a program.1 -
Macros/protein!0
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New Rules of Lifting for Women. Wish I had started earlier! However, even after only 4 months I have really noticed a difference in strength!2
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That it is probably OK to ask stupid questions. I spent a lot of time trying to figure stuff out by myself rather than ask.1
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The importance of rest, recovery, and mobility! Now I know but I still struggle w/ implementation.0
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do it more...do it harder1
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20 years ago, when I started lifting, I wish I'd listened to the folks who advocated for the big 3...
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