"Build a foundation"?

Icoza87

So I'm interested in starting weight lifting. I've got over 100 lbs to lose, but I figure, hey, can't hurt to start now (right?). Well, I'm super intimidated by the weight section at the gym so I thought I'd get a trainer to help show me around and get me acquainted. The trainer told me I needed to "build a foundation" before I started weight lifting and taught me this circuit thing using the machines with pullys. Gets my heart rate up, but she had me doing like 15 - 20 reps of each thing.

Then, I was talking to a different trainer the other day and he mentioned something about "building a foundation" as well.

Is there any truth to this foundation thing? I don't fully understand what kind of "foundation" I might need and think this could possibly be one of those "we're going to suck as much money out of you as possible" things... but I'm not really sure.

I'd really rather just start with Stronglifts 5x5 (seems super simple) and be done with it.

stealthq

Your instincts are correct unless you have strength imbalances that you're specifically working on fixing. Your trainers should have told you if this is the case.

Assuming it's not, and you're otherwise healthy, there's no need to start with machines. Just start with Starting Strength or an equivalent program, start as light as you need to - back off to bodyweight exercises if necessary - and go for it.

ETA: Even if you have strength imbalances, these could be worked on in the context of SS if you like.

JCLondonUK

It may be that you're not strong enough yet to lift the bar, so the trainer is trying to get your basic strength up first. My trainer started me on bodyweight and TRX exercises until I could lift the bar, and now I'm rolling (and having a blast). But I was so weedy to start with that even unweighted squats and lunges had me hobbling around for days afterwards. (I'm still pretty weedy, but have got massively stronger over the last 6 months of lifting.)

Keep at it for a while, and see if you feel improvement. I know it varies, but not all trainers are just trying to screw you. Mine is fantastic, knowledgable, and clearly genuinely interested in my progress. Following his advice has been the smartest move I made when I decided to get fitter and stronger (after following the advice I got from these boards to start lifting in the first place

MagnumBurrito

You'll build a better foundation (ie core) doing Stronglifts then the exercises they recommended. Your rate of return and time investment will be much too.

Icoza87

Thanks for the responses. I think maybe I'll try the bar and see what happens. I'm relatively certain I'm strong enough to lift the bar 5 times. If not, I'll go with body weight for bit. I just have to suck it up and march into the weights section with all the buff dudes and do my business. Mind over matter. :bigsmile: