Free gym, but no one to teach form...weight lifting

Advaya

I live in a super small community and the nearest "gym" is about a 45 minute drive. However, a few years ago we had a new pastor come into town and he opened a small fitness center in the basement of his church. It's open to the community and its only a 5 minute drive. I wasn't aware it was still open because this minister left over a year ago, but they have you sign a waiver and give you a security code. So essentially its a free, 24 hour gym in the basement of a church. I haven't been in yet, but I know they have a lot of equipment including cardio and weight equipment.

I plan to do something like stronglift 5x5, I can do cardio at home if I want... but the problem is no one is there to teach form. I DON'T want to injure myself, do you think if I watch youtube videos, bring them with me, and have someone spot me to compare to the video I can learn on my own?

nlcs_nickyv32

Yes that is a something you can do. Watch a couple of videos on youtube look at them carefully and pay attention to what they say and how to do it with correct form.

iplayoutside19

Youtube, AND I would check out a book called New Rules for Lifting for Women. I don't agree with everything in that book.(Men's version) But it's a good starting place for weight lifting if you're starting from zero.

Lelah77

There are some great YouTube videos out there that are very specific to form... I have watched quite a few for the purpose of building or modifying my own workouts. Many are offered by personal trainers and they will show you on a "model" how to position your body and move your limbs. I have found them quite useful, especially if I have a mirror to look in (if there isn't one at the gym, maybe a full length mirror in your own home can be used to practice form.)

My other suggestion would be to ask around the church. My guess is there are at least 1 or 2 people who have used the space on a regular basis and one of them might be willing to give you some pointers and familiarize you with the machines & equipment.

docktorfokse

I think you have the right idea. Really, once you've watched good videos on correct form a few times, the best thing you can do is go in there and start lifting. My personal recommendation is that you start with low weights for your first few visits. That way, you can really just get used to the motions and also see if there's any specific flexibility work you want to add to your strength training. Best of luck.

Advaya

Thanks guys. This is such an amazing opportunity for me, I am a broke single mama without childcare, and I'm so thankful something like this exists in my teeny tiny town. I am both happy its very desolate there (because I'm super shy), but also sort of wish there were more people there to help at the same time. When the minister was here (and I was living out of town) it was fairly active. From my quick peek in the window it looks like the cardio equipment gets used the most, but everything is a little dust covered lol.

dbmata

I plan to do something like stronglift 5x5, I can do cardio at home if I want... but the problem is no one is there to teach form. I DON'T want to injure myself, do you think if I watch youtube videos, bring them with me, and have someone spot me to compare to the video I can learn on my own?

Excellent, with the savings from a year of gym membership you can reinvest that money in a trainer. You're very fortunate.

oinkerjnn

There are some great YouTube videos out there that are very specific to form... I have watched quite a few for the purpose of building or modifying my own workouts. Many are offered by personal trainers and they will show you on a "model" how to position your body and move your limbs. I have found them quite useful, especially if I have a mirror to look in (if there isn't one at the gym, maybe a full length mirror in your own home can be used to practice form.)

My other suggestion would be to ask around the church. My guess is there are at least 1 or 2 people who have used the space on a regular basis and one of them might be willing to give you some pointers and familiarize you with the machines & equipment.

YouTube is great for form, but a wise man once told me to look at three or four different videos to make sure you don't pick a lemon on your first go round.

bugaha1

Have you heard of Dr Google?

djprice_69

Go to Crossfit.com, click on the Journal link, pay $25 for one year's subscription to the journal, and watch everything you can find by Kelly Starrett, Coach Burgener, and even Louie Simmons. You'll have more information than you know what to do with.

Advaya

Found this plan: http://www.aworkoutroutine.com/the-beginner-weight-training-workout-routine/

Hope I can figure all this out on my own. I have NO idea where to even start as far as weight goes.. I know I've seen it suggested to start with just the bar. I'm a total noob, hah.

Excited though..

Yeah, I've heard of Dr. Google. Thanks........

VeryKatie

You can also film yourself and watch the video later to make corrections in your form. I have a friend who improved this way.

Advaya

You can also film yourself and watch the video later to make corrections in your form. I have a friend who improved this way.

Great suggestion! Thanks

Lemongrab13

I'm doing stronglifts and c25k, so our workout plans are similar
Before I started I actually read first and then watched videos. Google each exercise (squats, deadlifts, barbell rows, etc) and read on proper form, then google images, then watch at least three videos on form.
It's worked very well for me.
And your idea of getting a friend to check you is great, but you can also set up a camera and film yourself lifting.

DeeVanderbles

I always go to bodybuilding.com for form videos.

djprice_69

Hope I can figure all this out on my own. I have NO idea where to even start as far as weight goes.. I know I've seen it suggested to start with just the bar. I'm a total noob, hah.

Another cool thing to look up on the Crossfit Journal is the series titled "Killing the Fat Man" - it is basically one guys video documentary of going from quite obese/out of shape and getting back into shape over the course of several months. Quote motivational and also informational :-)

rick_po

Another great form resource is "Starting Strength" by Mark Rippetoe. Lots of detail. The lifts are the same as Stronglifts, except for the row.

I believe his form videos are available on YouTube, but if you're going to train yourself, the book is a Must Have Resource.