Strength Training Noob Here

Lifelink

So admitting the problem is the first step: I'm a noob.

I don't want to give myself a hernia, so I'm wanting to be as sure as possible before lugging anymore weights around. I'm used to cardio and calisthenics, but now feel ready to gain some strength, especially since I'm plateauing pretty hard at the moment.

What's a good starting reference for weight lifting exercises? I've checked into this Stronglifts 5x5 business, but feel that I'm not ready for this, as I've never been properly introduced to weight lifting prior, other than the "bro, do some curls and bench press" thing. The squats especially make me nervous, not having a rack in the house.

Any leads would be greatly appreciated.

MissB46

stronglifts is a great programme - I am in the middle of it somewhere myself, but you should get someone to show you correct form....it will make you stronger!!!

I am totally amazed by my progress so far and I can't wait until the next workout to see if I can lift that extra bit more, and it is changing my body completeley even though I have not lost a great amount of weight

trybefan

New Rules of Lifting

Wendlers 5x3x1

STARTING STRENGTH by Mark Rippetoe!!!! A MUST!!!! More information than a workout plan.

SezxyStef

I agree stronglifts is great.

When I started it I had not done any DL's...they scared me...Squats I had not done weighted ones but eh...

I started with 60lbs for every lift except the DL which was 90lbs and I didn't have a squat rack at first either...

I had my husband build me one...(lots of ideas online for that)

There are lots of videos that go along with the stronglift you find online...watch those and start out slow to get form down.

So you think you can.........DeadLift, squat, bench are good videos too...

I have been doing SL's for 6months...and have squatted 180lbs...Can bench 110....Deadlift 200 etc...

SezxyStef

New Rules of Lifting

Wendlers 5x3x1

STARTING STRENGTH by Mark Rippetoe!!!! A MUST!!!! More information than a workout plan.

doesn't SS have power cleans in it????

If the OP isn't comfortable with squats...imagine power cleans.

trybefan

New Rules of Lifting

Wendlers 5x3x1

STARTING STRENGTH by Mark Rippetoe!!!! A MUST!!!! More information than a workout plan.

doesn't SS have power cleans in it????

If the OP isn't comfortable with squats...imagine power cleans.

Agreed, I was recommending SS for the focus on form.

rsclause

Not a big lifter here but I always start on Nautilus machines at very low weight and move up to build a little strength and movement before going to free weights. Really screwed up my shoulder one time so I have my reasons.

lrmall01

I don't want to give myself a hernia, so I'm wanting to be as sure as possible before lugging anymore weights around. I'm used to cardio and calisthenics, but now feel ready to gain some strength, especially since I'm plateauing pretty hard at the moment.

Good thing about stronglifts is that you are encouraged to start with an empty bar and add weight over time. You should be safe with most anything you do if you start light and don't get in a hurry.

Tape your lifts and submit the videos to the eat-train-progress group for critique.

Good luck!

Snow3y

Any program which is strength based, consisting of major compound movements, ie. Bench press, squats, pullups and deadlifts.. (and my addition, the overhead press)

Lifelink

Thanks everyone!