<<<Totally Ignorant...Stronglift beginning for women

2dare2dream

Firstly apart from watching videos on technique and lifts used, I am trying to figure out where to begin a weightlifting programme for myself. I am still very much overweight but have managed to drop 30kg in 5 months and now want to introduce some weights to help build muscle and tone [dont mind getting rid of some more fat too lol]
There is so much information on the net that i have to admit I'm slightly confused at how much i should start my weights on the first week of Stronglift 5 x 5, Whether i maintain the same calorie intake for the first couple of weeks or raise? And if i should raise, should there be a level I aim for ie protein versus carbs versus fat intake.
Any advice from people knowledgable in this field would be helpful and/or some links to sites that provide the correct information as many sites seem to contradict each other.
Thank you for taking the time to read

ChrisLindsay9

Firstly apart from watching videos on technique and lifts used, I am trying to figure out where to begin a weightlifting programme for myself. I am still very much overweight but have managed to drop 30kg in 5 months and now want to introduce some weights to help build muscle and tone [dont mind getting rid of some more fat too lol]
There is so much information on the net that i have to admit I'm slightly confused at how much i should start my weights on the first week of Stronglift 5 x 5, Whether i maintain the same calorie intake for the first couple of weeks or raise? And if i should raise, should there be a level I aim for ie protein versus carbs versus fat intake.
Any advice from people knowledgable in this field would be helpful and/or some links to sites that provide the correct information as many sites seem to contradict each other.
Thank you for taking the time to read

First of all, congrats on the success you've obtained thus far. With the weight loss you've achieved, you will likely do really well with a lifting program. And hopefully, you will find it fun too.

If you're at a gym, then a couple of things you can do. First, if you have the resources, maybe hire a trainer for 2-3 sessions to get you started? He or she might be able to gauge what weight to begin with, and help you with getting some good experience with the exercises. If that's not an option, then a good place to start is doing exercises with either just the bar or a couple of light dumbbells in the 3-5Kg range.

It's not critical that your first weight lifting session is such that you're really pushing yourself. It's more important to get a feel for the exercises that is safe and comfortable. And besides, if you're new to strength training, you will receive a benefit from light weights just because you're doing something. After a few sessions, where you have the exercises down, then you can really start assessing what your weight should be (and getting a journal or notebook to record this information is helpful).

Maybe one of the strength training groups here on MFP can be of some help?

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/4601-stronglifts-5x5-for-women
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/102-new-rules-of-lifting-for-women-nrol4w

I hope this is of some help. As you start out, remember to take progress pictures (every few weeks or so). They can be very self-motivating. And they can be deleted if things don't work out. But you will regret not having done so if and when you start actualizing the benefits. Good luck!