Getting started with lifting or weight training..

Zoe_lifts

Hi

So i just got a gym membership and i told the employee that i wanted to do cardio & strength.
They showed me around in the gym and got some explanation about all the machines,
The only thing that they didn't show me was the free weights section.. - where all the men are all the time - (However, i'm going to ask for some help with this soon.)
The only strength thing that they showed me were the machines, i don't know all the names of the machines but they have a circuit of 10 machines where you do each machine for 1 minute and then have a rest for 30 secs.
These are the machines i'm talking about:
http://www.lifefitness.be/commercial/lfstrength/circuitseries.html
So.. is this good? Will i get some muscle definition by using these machines? Or are free weights better? What's the difference? How many times a week would you recommend doing this circuit or how long or..?
I'm just wanting to tone up a little bit and get some more definition.

Thanks.

aledba

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

This ^

Zoe_lifts

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

This ^

I've read that post before
But thanks anyways

Jerseygrrl

There are a lot of people with a lot more experience on here than I have, but here goes anyway.
Lift heavy. Lift. Heavy.
I do StrongLifts 5X5. There is a group on here and if you search the term you can find a fantastic explanation. You can also find the program on YouTube and get videos that give you the correct form.
Starting Strength is a FANTASTIC book and resource, if you like to see it on paper. Also, the author gives great explanations about why to do free weights as opposed to using the machines.
Lift. Heavy.

Capt_Apollo

here are some articles that you should read to help steer you in the right direction.

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2010/02/15/how-to-build-your-own-workout-routine/

lift weights http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2013/02/28/strength-training-101/

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2014/03/03/strength-training-101-how-to-squat-properly/

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2014/01/14/strength-training-101-where-do-i-start/

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2014/02/06/strength-training-101-how-much-weight-should-i-be-lifting/

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2013/03/05/101-equipment/

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2013/09/11/7-strength-training-myths-every-woman-should-know/

BusyRaeNOTBusty

Free weights are generally better. New Rules of Weight Lifting for Women, Starting Strength or Stronglifst 5x5 are all good programs.

PetulantOne

here are some articles that you should read to help steer you in the right direction.

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2010/02/15/how-to-build-your-own-workout-routine/

lift weights http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2013/02/28/strength-training-101/

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2014/03/03/strength-training-101-how-to-squat-properly/

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2014/01/14/strength-training-101-where-do-i-start/

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2014/02/06/strength-training-101-how-much-weight-should-i-be-lifting/

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2013/03/05/101-equipment/

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2013/09/11/7-strength-training-myths-every-woman-should-know/

+1

Zoe_lifts

Thx everyone