Recommendations for strength training at home

teamAmelia

Hi, guys. I'm 215 pounds and 5 ft 8 or 9. I don't feel like going to a gym, so I want to try this at home right now. I have some weights; four 7.5 lb and four 2.5 lb. If I were to hold to put 10 pounds on the barbell and extend my arm palm side up, and then curl the barbell up, it would be reallly hard for me to do. I can't even hold the barbell with my arm extended without some difficulty. Do you think that this is normal since I'm a newbie and out of shape? I've read that if it's too easy, you're not lifting enough weight, but I should be able to do one, right? Any recommendations on what I should do to start off at home? Thanks.

Cherimoose

I've read that if it's too easy, you're not lifting enough weight, but I should be able to do one, right?

Correct. Choose a weight that gets you fatigued at around 8 to 12 reps (repetitions). If you can't do at least 6 reps, it's too heavy, and if you can do more than 14-15 reps, it's too light. The exception is if you're still learning how to do the exercise correctly - then a lighter weight is appropriate. Never lift heavy if you're unsure about your form.

See my profile page for a lifting program that you can do at home.

What is the weight of the bare barbell, with no plates on it?