weight lifting advice for a beginner.

Hiya,
I'm 5ft 9 and averaging on 11st 6, wanting to get down to a healthy, lean 10st. I had my little boy 9 months ago and desperately wanting to get my figure back.
My partner is a huge gym buff but goes to a 'men only' gym which means I'm gonna have to go on my lonesome elsewhere.
In the past I've concentrated more on cardio than weights as I had no idea what to do.
Now I'm seeing more and more female weight lifters that look awsome (not competition style, thats too much).
I'm dying to get into it seriously but would like advise on where to start.
Higher weight and less reps? Less weight and more reps?
Skip cardio altogether? Bit of everything?
Supplements, etc.

Thanks :-)

Replies

  • Ready2Rock206
    Ready2Rock206 Posts: 9,487 Member
    Read the book New Rules of Lifting for Women - very informative.

    Higher Weight and Less Reps
    Don't do Cardio before weightlifting (either separate day or after)
    Just be sure you eat enough Protein - whether from food or from a protein shake or whatever
  • squatmami
    squatmami Posts: 58 Member
    I really need help with this aswell , i just dont know where to start :(
  • No_Finish_Line
    No_Finish_Line Posts: 3,661 Member
    if pounds is the imperial system (think i've also heard it called the english or standard system)

    and Kg is metric

    what the hell is Stone?
  • No_Finish_Line
    No_Finish_Line Posts: 3,661 Member
    well that does clear up one mystery, but what system of measurement does it belong to? the same as 'cubits' lol
  • ME0172
    ME0172 Posts: 200
    What are your goals for weight lifting?

    Here is a good place to start

    How many reps to lift – Quick Guide

    1 to 3 reps –
    Translates to strength. Meaning, you are focused on your ability to carry heavy things without straining too much. As mentioned, this does not affect your muscle size.

    4 to 6 reps –
    Translates to strength and density. If you want to give your muscles a more defined look, then 4 to 6 reps of a certain exercise does the trick. But just like the first category, this does not pack muscle mass.

    7 to 10 reps –
    This means size, strength, and density. If you are not really keen in having a bodybuilder’s body but you just want to improve what you have, then this number is good enough for you. About 7 to 10 reps can give you the size, strength, and density that you need in order for you to achieve your personal health goal.

    11 to 15 reps –
    Translates to size. This is the number of reps that most bodybuilders attain so that they can get the body they want. This packs on the muscles.