BRAND new to weight training...

cjjones007

Good Morning All!!!
I need to work on Strength training... I'm using an all-in-one machine and really don't feel I'm getting anything from it (it's pretty bad)...

I'm currently doing plenty of cardio on the elliptical - and love it - but I desperately know I need to start working on my muscle strength, toning, etc... a very special friend and I just spoke last night about my need to do so and I KNOW they are correct...

I have not, however; done any kind of strength training since I was a kid on the Football and baseball teams lol - so 23+ years is a long time to remember :P

So here we go - a multi-phase question
I think I need Free weights... I think I need to get a set of dumbbells or two... (2 to 3 weights) - Money is (I'm sure for everyone) an issue - so buying a complete set of dumbbells is simply not feasible right now....

So here we go:

How would you go about determining WHAT weight(s) of dumbbells I should purchase for my strength training?
Any suggestions for "starting" the training (at home more than likely) including website video / dvd / suggestions?
Anyone have a suggested brand they like? the standard base Metal dumbbells start to suck on the hands pretty quickly - is it suggested I just buy gloves or do I get something else?

I'm truly feeling like a complete neophyte when it comes to this so any real-world suggestions would be fantastic!!!!

Thanks in advance,
C.j.

waster196

bump

lilRicki

I just started weight training too, and the guys on here recommended going to bodybuilders.com...don't get freaked out by the name, it's actually a very informative website. I do the beginners complete work out...lots of lunges, squats, chest presses...just get a set of dumbells and a bench to start with

fzyfrog

Check your local Craigslist. I have found an entire weight set including barbells, weights from 5 up to 50 lbs, clamps, etc. for like $50. I also found a great DVD on Amazon (after doing an internet search) called Muscle Max. Of course, it's all women, but you can certainly search for "male" videos. There are also tons of YouTube videos out there as well. Just search strength training. I am also using the Supreme 90 day system which is the poor (wo)man's version of P90X. It's $19.99 at Bed, Bath and Beyond. Good luck finding something!

Emmy_Ann

Check out Body For Life website.. I started 2 weeks ago for my 1st challenge.. I'm on my 3rd week currently.. I've lost 6 lbs in the last 2 weeks and can already see my muscle growing But the weight training in the program focuses on upperbody 1-2x a week and lowerbody 1-2x a week with HIIT cardio mixed in.. I think you'd like it a lot if thats what you're trying to balance!!! I use free weights.. and you use 3-4 different weights over the course of 6 sets.. so since I'm a complete beginner I have 3, 5 & 8lb.. So depending on the lift.. I'll use 3lb for 12 reps.. 3 lb for 10 reps.. 5lb for 8 reps.. 8lb for 6 reps.. 5lb for 12 reps.. and then 3lb for 12 reps.. etc.. Anyways.. hope this made sense.. good luck!

kerriknox

There is a member on this site who often quotes from this website.... http://stronglifts.com/stronglifts-5x5-beginner-strength-training-program/

Check it out. I have read through it and it sounds very good. I also signed up to get the free report about weight training

http://s3.amazonaws.com/StrongLifts/stronglifts-5x5-report.pdf

I just started today and am looking forward to it. I am female so am not doing it to the same extent, for body building, but I am going to follow it as far as I can.

Good Luck.

kaytedawg05

i sent u an email...

nokittyno

Check out, http://forum.bodybuilding.com/?welcoBest site. Ever.

Next, would be to look for used equipment since you're just beginning to get into strength training. Try your local Craigslist(American Primarily) or Kijiji(Canadian folks). You can find some good deals on used plates, bars and fixed dumbbells.

A cheap alternative to weights are standard 14-18'' Spinlock Dumbbell Handles, then you can buy as/how many plates fit your current need, and when you max those options out you could probably sell it and flip it for new equipment.

Fixed dumbbells are great - but generally pricey and space consuming. If you are working out at home I highly, highly recommend googling: Ironmaster Quick Lock Dumbbells and Powerblock Dumbbells. They are pricier but can be all all-in-one weight, from a 5lb incriment all the way to 120lbs. I have the Ironmasters and LOVE THEM, and depending on your location you can check sites corresponding to the item, even check your local dealers to save on S&H.

Another people recommend is the basic FID(Flat, Incine, Decline) Bench, a Powerrack("Squat Rack with safties") and a Barbell with some Olympic plates.

But it all depends on your need. I highly recommend checking out http://forum.bodybuilding.com/?welcome=true you will find answers to alot of questions, and could even post your own.

thkelly

Good Morning All!!!
I need to work on Strength training... I'm using an all-in-one machine and really don't feel I'm getting anything from it (it's pretty bad)...

I'm currently doing plenty of cardio on the elliptical - and love it - but I desperately know I need to start working on my muscle strength, toning, etc... a very special friend and I just spoke last night about my need to do so and I KNOW they are correct...

I have not, however; done any kind of strength training since I was a kid on the Football and baseball teams lol - so 23+ years is a long time to remember :P

So here we go - a multi-phase question
I think I need Free weights... I think I need to get a set of dumbbells or two... (2 to 3 weights) - Money is (I'm sure for everyone) an issue - so buying a complete set of dumbbells is simply not feasible right now....

So here we go:

How would you go about determining WHAT weight(s) of dumbbells I should purchase for my strength training?
Any suggestions for "starting" the training (at home more than likely) including website video / dvd / suggestions?
Anyone have a suggested brand they like? the standard base Metal dumbbells start to suck on the hands pretty quickly - is it suggested I just buy gloves or do I get something else?

I'm truly feeling like a complete neophyte when it comes to this so any real-world suggestions would be fantastic!!!!

Thanks in advance,
C.j.

dumbbells can be expensive so you definitely want to make sure you do a bit of research ahead of time.

i would get 3 pairs minimum

one heavy pair for exercises like dumbbell bench press, overhead extension (triceps), dumbbell rows, shoulder press, shrugs, deadlifts, etc.

a medium pair for chest flyes, bicep curls, single arm tricep extensions, squats, etc.

and a light pair for lateral raises, front raises, tricep kickbacks, etc

cjjones007

Great info so far - I really appreciate it!!!

So - any idea how to figure out the best starting weight for Light, Medium, and heavy?

Have a guy at work (just found out) that will let me borrow from his set - 3 or 4 pairs - so I'm excited about that - just not sure the best way to figure out those sizes (for me) obviously...

Thanks in advance and for everything thus far!
C.J.