Tell be about how you started lifting

kristieshannon

I've been working on my health and fitness since Jan. 1 of this year. I've lost 57lbs so far. I've mostly been walking as exercise, but feel it's time to step up my game and add in some weight lifting. I can't afford the personal training service at my gym so I'm coming to you for your excellent guidance. I've done a little reading on line, but so much seems to be aimed at those further along in the process than I am. What advice would you give a newbie who is just starting lifting? Thanks in advance!

grimendale

Find a good beginners program. The two that are commonly touted are New Rules of Lifting for Women and Stronglifts 5x5. I've been doing the latter program to get back into lifting after over a decade of not lifting. There's a really good stronglifts group on here, and a lot of good information (just search 'stronglifts 5x5') for getting started, including links to vidoes showing proper form. Start lighter than you think you need to and focus on form for the first few sessions. Make sure your form is right before you get into weight where you are straining a little. Hope that helps.

BigDog

^^^ what grimendale said ^^^

and once you are sure you are motivated to keep with it. Get on ebay or craisglist and buy a power cage and some weights. (will save you oodles of gym membership money)

kdiamond

I started lifting years ago about 14 years ago with the help of a friend who was an exercise physciologist/trainer. Then I had kids, did mostly cardio and dieting to lose the baby weight, and a few years later (about 4 years ago) started doing Crossfit and got back into lifting. I learned a lot, did CF for about 2 years, then started lifting and doing my own routines based on first, The New Rules of Lifting for Women, and then when I became more advanced put my own programs together based on Internet plans and what not.

I highly recommend getting a professional's advice...it helps gain the confidence to (eventually) do the heavy lifts.

kristieshannon

Thanks everyone for your advice! I'm training towards a mini triathlon next summer, so the gym is necessary for the swimming & treadmill through the bad weather months, the weights are a bonus that I know will help me over time! I'll check out the resources you pointed me to, I appreciate it!

rosej31

I started lifting a few years ago with a personal trainer at my gym. Now, I started lifting and doing my own routines base on my workout. There always good ideas on weight lifting. Being that you are new at weight lifting I would recommend getting a professional's advice. There are other personal trainer outside of the gym that are less expensive.

Good Luck

ChrisLindsay9

Find a good beginners program. The two that are commonly touted are New Rules of Lifting for Women and Stronglifts 5x5. I've been doing the latter program to get back into lifting after over a decade of not lifting. There's a really good stronglifts group on here, and a lot of good information (just search 'stronglifts 5x5') for getting started, including links to vidoes showing proper form. Start lighter than you think you need to and focus on form for the first few sessions. Make sure your form is right before you get into weight where you are straining a little. Hope that helps.

Grimendale gives excellent advice, and this is no exception.

Good luck to you, and congrats on the weight loss. That's terrific. With your persistence, I would bet you will find some success with lifting. Take progress pics for yourself as motivation!

emjaycazz

Find a good beginners program. The two that are commonly touted are New Rules of Lifting for Women and Stronglifts 5x5. I've been doing the latter program to get back into lifting after over a decade of not lifting. There's a really good stronglifts group on here, and a lot of good information (just search 'stronglifts 5x5') for getting started, including links to vidoes showing proper form. Start lighter than you think you need to and focus on form for the first few sessions. Make sure your form is right before you get into weight where you are straining a little. Hope that helps.

Grimendale gives excellent advice, and this is no exception.

Good luck to you, and congrats on the weight loss. That's terrific. With your persistence, I would bet you will find some success with lifting. Take progress pics for yourself as motivation!

+1 to the recommendation to the SL for Women Group. Here's the link:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/4618-stronglifts-5x5-for-women

In fact, before you even go to Stronglifts.com, I would suggest reading tameko's summary and FAQs--a very clear, concise explanation of how you're supposed to progress. In terms of technique, I also watched a lot of videos--particularly those featuring Mark Rippetoe.