Heavy lifting? Or something else?

kristinainaustin
kristinainaustin Posts: 1
in Fitness and Exercise
One question. :) Can I go straight into heavy lifting and start a program like Starting Strength or StrongLifts? Or do I need to find something else so that I can build up to that?

I am currently at the heaviest I have ever been in my life (5'6" and hovering between 150 to 160 pounds)! I've been active in the past, I used to run, but haven't been what I'd really consider a runner in years, although I was averaging about 2 to 3 miles a few times a week this past summer.

So much to say that I am definitely not in shape right now. :) So... get in "better shape"? Or just go for it? What do most people do? What is "recommended" (I can't seem to find an answer)?

Thanks!

Replies

  • acogg
    acogg Posts: 1,870 Member
    I think only you can answer that question. If you think you want to try a program or workout, do it. If you discover you are not ready, then do something else to prepare for it.
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    no one starts off lifting 300 pounds (well maybe there's an exception)

    you start off light until you get form down and then gradually increase the weight.

    so yeah, start now :smile:
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    nope- don't need to lose weight before you go to the gym.

    don't need to get stronger to start training

    just need to get started- even if it's with a broomstick practicing mobility.

    sooner is better actually.

    811327160_zps4b2f41e1.jpg
  • icyeyes317
    icyeyes317 Posts: 226 Member
    Start lifting! It will help you lose weight!
  • Warchortle
    Warchortle Posts: 2,197 Member
    You can't do any of the programs if you're not familiar with the lifts. They assume basic-beginner knowledge of how to lift already.
  • amastre
    amastre Posts: 176 Member
    Unless you are so weak that you can't manage the bare bar for the lifts in StrongLifts or Starting Strength, there's really no prep work necessary to get going with them. If you struggle with Overhead Press and Bench, you can always do dumbbell variations of them until you can manage the bar, especially if your gym does not have any bars lighter than the standard 45#.

    Squats and Deadlifts you should be fine on.

    One thing I would suggest is that you do take the time to research the lifts and watch quality form videos (such as the Starting Strength videos) and read starting strength before you start racking on the weight. Good form is essential for all lifting, especially on a program where the aim is to increase the weight every workout.
  • HappyStack
    HappyStack Posts: 802 Member
    You can start both Stronglifts and Starting Strength with the empty bar (make sure it's an Olympic bar, they start at 15 or 20kg - ask, so you know how much you're lifting - the sleeves are 2" in diameter).

    SL recommends it, if I remember rightly.

    The only barrier is the difference in volume on the working sets.

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