Best Beginner Weight Lifting Programs

_Pseudonymous_

Today I signed up for a gym membership and am looking to get into lifting. I toyed with it in the past and loved it but for some reason never really persued it. However, I am looking to make a commitment to getting strong and healthy and weightlifting is one of a few ways that I am looking to achieve those goals.

My query to you is do you have any suggestions for beginner's guides? I found a website that said focus on the basics and form and go from there but I want something that will help guide me throughout the process until I get my head around all this and can figure it out on my own.

Thank you for any and all suggestions, I truly appreciate the help!

ehuschka

In, just because I want the answers too.

_HeartsOnFire_

Well my friend...I love Stronglifts 5x5. There's a free phone app.
I have the book New Rules of Lifting for Women but only read about half, not because it wasn't good, but I decided I just wanted to jump in and get to it. Plus, I'm not much of a reader...

No matter what program you choose this website should help you with warmup reps. It's helped my progression greatly!

http://warmupreps.com/

Also, you've probably seen these, but just in case.

Want to lift heavy things?
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/

Stronglifts Summary
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/560459-stronglifts-5x5-summary

Stronglifts Womens Group
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/4601-stronglifts-5x5-for-women

theJTfitness

Look into Stronglifts. It's full of the basic lifts that you need and is easy to follow.

deksgrl

I recommend reading "New Rules of Lifting for Women" just for the info. I felt the program itself too quickly moved away from main compound moves so I'd recommend choosing one of the other starting programs, Stronglifts or SS. I personally like Nia Shanks because she is also geared towards women and concentrates on the basics. You don't have to choose one that is geared towards women, because the lifting is the same either way, I just find her messages really helpful and relevant to dispelling myths and the kinds of thinking that women get brainwashed into believing. Read her blog even if you don't do her program.

_Pseudonymous_

Thanks, everyone, for the help! I will look into all of these things!

Also, I see that they recomment starting with a blank bar for beginners, does that sounds about right?

_HeartsOnFire_

Thanks, everyone, for the help! I will look into all of these things!

Also, I see that they recomment starting with a blank bar for beginners, does that sounds about right?

Yes! That's what I did. It's to make sure you are correct on form. Depending on the gym's bar it'll be anywhere from 35-45#.

afortunatedragon

Stronglift is a bit much for starters.

Ice cream 5x5 is more like it.
Loads of compound lifts and the risk for injuries is very low.

Jenny8511

I did strong lifts 5x5 and I liked it, but I felt like it was boring. I'm doing new rules of lifting for women now, and I love it.