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Time between strength training (newbie question)

saltorian
Posts: 192 Member
So I've been getting into running lately and doing pretty good with that, but I know that strength training is the way to go for building muscle, strengthening bones, improving body composition, etc.
I started last Friday by following instructions and video clips that I found online. I was using hand-held free weights and doing two sets of 12 reps for each exercise, and I think it worked pretty well. The last few reps were pretty hard, but I wasn't too sore or completely exhausted afterwards. The next morning I definitely felt it through my whole arms, shoulders, and pecs, but it wasn't so tight that it was crippling or anything.
My question is -- for someone new to weight lifting, is it wrong to go three whole days between sessions? Most sites I've looked at say to wait "at least one day between sessions" so your muscles can recover, but will I still get the benefit of strength training with more days in between? It's hard because I have to build my schedule around when someone can spot me (I'm so new that I'm still not good at being able to tell if my form is ok or not). I'd hire a trainer, but I really can't afford one.
I started last Friday by following instructions and video clips that I found online. I was using hand-held free weights and doing two sets of 12 reps for each exercise, and I think it worked pretty well. The last few reps were pretty hard, but I wasn't too sore or completely exhausted afterwards. The next morning I definitely felt it through my whole arms, shoulders, and pecs, but it wasn't so tight that it was crippling or anything.
My question is -- for someone new to weight lifting, is it wrong to go three whole days between sessions? Most sites I've looked at say to wait "at least one day between sessions" so your muscles can recover, but will I still get the benefit of strength training with more days in between? It's hard because I have to build my schedule around when someone can spot me (I'm so new that I'm still not good at being able to tell if my form is ok or not). I'd hire a trainer, but I really can't afford one.
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Replies
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Nobody?0
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Sorry, I'm super new to the strength training and will be doing my first circuit tonight. But, the program I have does day 1 upper body, day 2 cardio , day 3 rest, day 4 lower body, day 5 cardio, day 6, rest and so on. I plan on going it alone tonight since I don't really have anyone to go with either.
Good luck to you!0
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