Finally Added Weights - Help!!

tanyoshka

I have been running off and on for the last 5 years, I've lost about 45 pounds that way, along with eating less (not necessarily "better"). My weight loss has stalled in the last 6 months, mostly because I'm lacking in motivation to consistently do the cardio, but I've also begun to notice how weak I am in general. That, in combination with the nearly constant posts about how important weight work is to weight loss and overall health has made me want to finally start including that aspect into my weekly workout routine. I was hoping for some advice about the easiest way to do that.

Stats, if you need them: 6 ft. female, 28 years old, 205 lbs.

I can make it to the gym three times a week. I intend to do cardio each time, which will take about 45 minutes. This leaves me 30 minutes for stretching and weights. I have absolutely no training or experience with weights, so I'd really like to just use those handy weight machines. However, there's about a million of them. There's no way I would have time for them all!

1) How often do you need to workout in order for to see the benefits? I'd "like" to be able to do one day of arms and one day of legs every week, but I'm guessing that's not enough.

2) What are the top 5 most important machines for legs and the top 5 for arms? I can't seriously need to use all 20, right?

3) 3 sets of 12 on each machine? 4 sets of 10? 5 sets of 8? What does that even mean??

4) How do you pick your starting weight? How often should you be able to increase it?

Argh! That's why I've never wanted to start weights before. Its way to much brain work. What, how often, how much, what to use....

Can someone please make the brain work easy? :-)