I'm very weak. Where do I start with strength training?

1974lynnette

Thanks for all the great replies. I'm not afraid of the bar, I just don't want to do too much too soon. The idea of using dumbbells to start is great. Also, the pushups, planks, squats without weights is a great place for me to start. I want to learn proper technique & work my way up. Thanks for all the great advice.

callie006

Don't be intimidated by the idea of working with a barbell. If the weight is too heavy, you can just lift with the bar. If you don't have access to a gym, you can use a broom handle or dowel to learn the motion.

A broom handle or dowel is a great suggestion. When I restarted after a bad ankle injury, I couldn't have done most of those exercises even with just a bar. I did a program (Strong Curves beginner) that started off with only bodyweight for at least the first month, and it was great for me. My form is way better than it was before the injury, and once I added weights I progressed faster because of all of that form work combined with gaining a baseline of strength.

BinaryPulsar

I like strong curves also!

I also started with the book The New Rules of Lifting for LIFE. That book is also very good with progressions for people that need modifications and to learn form.