Correct form

LisaUlrey
LisaUlrey Posts: 136 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So, I really want to start lifitng free weights and I have bought a book that shows me all of the lifts and gives a plan on what to do each time I lift. Problem is, the personal traininer at my gym (Planet Fitness) is worthless. He didn't even know what a deadlift was...I have tried lifting a few times, but what is really stopping me from continuing is not knowing if I am doing the lifts correctly and with good form. I lift alone, so I have no one to really help me on a consistant basis. I don't want to hurt myself because I don't know what I am doing. Maybe I should just stick to machines?

Replies

  • SuperCrsa
    SuperCrsa Posts: 790 Member
    No dont give up on it, Youtube is where I found all my guidance to proper form.
    I work out at home and I do it alone, so there is no one to help me. It did take me a bit longer to learn all the correct form techniques, Im in week 9 of weight training and still learning so much!

    Form is more important than weight, get that nailed down first, then look at upping your weights :smile:

    Good luck, hope you have an awesome time learning!
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,024 Member
    You can probably find a certified trainer online and pay for a single session at the gym they work at. Looking at videos online and actually performing them correctly are 2 different things. You can't see the imperfections from behind or on the sides. Maybe even get advice from someone at the gym who looks very fit and athletic. But your best bet is to make sure that you do get someone very experienced and isn't afraid to correct you.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • FrnkLft
    FrnkLft Posts: 1,821 Member
    Just in case, not all of the employees at a gym are personal trainers, or some might just be class instructors, it might be the case that you asked a regular employee.

    Otherwise, a great book to get you started is Starting Strength. It will explain every lift in more detail than I think you might even need, but it's very accessible.

    Also, the Stronglifts 5x5 website has pretty good videos of the program's creator going through all the lifts.

    Once you've had the chance to actually do the lifts, post a recording on here and we can give you some specific criticisms.

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