I Want To Lift Too!!!

lmhbuss
lmhbuss Posts: 282 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I have been working on my cardio and my food for awhile, although I was slacking off a lot until recently. I see all these posts of women who look so strong and have such amazing muscle definition...and they are all lifting weights. There is a lot of information out there on getting started and it's honestly a bit overwhelming and confusing. Can anyone suggest a good starting point or some websites that offer good information for a total beginner? I am totally intimidated by that area of the gym and would love to have some knowledge on my side before I venture into Mordore. :laugh:
Thanks in advance!

Replies

  • Ready2Rock206
    Ready2Rock206 Posts: 9,487 Member
    Check out the book "New Rules of Lifting for Women" - even if you don't follow the program (which I haven't yet) it is still a very good book in my opinion.
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/4601-stronglifts-5x5-for-women


    Is where I started. REad one of the sticky posts and started the following monday.

    I have the benefit of having the equipment at home. But will be visiting a gym for some form discussions with the PT's there.

    There are other programs as well...Starting strenght and new rules of lifting for woman (both books that can be bought)and a tonne of youtube videos detailing form etc.
  • jenifr818
    jenifr818 Posts: 805 Member
    I 2nd the recommendation for New Rules of Lifting for Women. Great information, as well as step-by-step pictures and information on how to do the lifts :-)
  • dixoncrew
    dixoncrew Posts: 186 Member
    Ditto both of those. I went from treadmill to 30 day shred to Body Revolution to heavy lifting. I bought New Rules of Lifting for Women and followed that for 6 weeks and then switched to Stronglifts 5x5 because of time constraints.

    I bought a weight bench, Olympic bar, and a bunch of weight plates off of Craigslist and my Dad gave me a squat rack. Just be sure if you get a gym membership you make sure they have a squat rack and not just a smith machine.
  • plkbplkb
    plkbplkb Posts: 12
    I agree with the post about, "New Rules for Lifting" being a great starting point. Another option, if your gym has a class such as Body Pump, that will help you feel comfortable with weights as well.

    Also, remember, at the gym, most people are not watching/looking at you. Those at the gym are busy focusing on their own lifting. That was a hard one for me to get over. I have been lifting for years now and still remember that intimidating feeling.

    With that said, after you have been lifting for a few weeks, start to set goals for yourself. That will keep you motivated.
  • caseythirteen
    caseythirteen Posts: 956 Member
    Just be sure if you get a gym membership you make sure they have a squat rack and not just a smith machine.
    I completely agree with this!

    As for hitting that side of the gym, you just have to do it. It will be good to have a plan but remember you don't have to be some kind of guru to be over there. You just have to want to. I started with just a few moves and quickly progressed from there. Even if you just go over and do some simple squats using dumbbells and some lateral raises, it will get you over the uncomfortable part. After a time or two, it won't be nearly as scary anymore and in a month or so you will look back and wonder what the heck you were even worried about.
  • lmhbuss
    lmhbuss Posts: 282 Member
    Thanks for the info!
  • traceyjj
    traceyjj Posts: 406 Member
    I hired a trainer (was supposed to be for a couple of sessions) to show me and correct my form on the lifts. I still go to see him once a week as he varies my accessory lifts.
  • 89nunu
    89nunu Posts: 1,082 Member
    I can't add any more useful information as the others have already covered it. But yes do it! It'll change your body and mind :)
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    in addition to the other things mentioned also check out starting strength (strong lifts is just this only marketed a bit better) and strong curves.

    personally i found new rules of lifting for women to be a little too complicated and less strength focused after stage 3
  • cmeiron
    cmeiron Posts: 1,599 Member
    Lifting is da bomb. Starting Strength is a great book if you want really good information on how to perform the big barbell lifts correctly, with good form. It also has training programs which are great for newbies. I've been following a different beginner program called the All Pro Beginner Routine (there's a link to it in my profile and also to the MFP All Pro Group). When I started I spent a bunch of time reading and looking at YouTube videos to see how to do the lifts (and dumbbell variations of them, since that's what I started out with as I was working out at home). I've just started using the bar at a gym, and it's super-fun! If you decide to go to a gym, don't be intimidated by the free weight section, just get in there and do what you need to do! :)

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