Starting out with weights

beskimoosh

I have to admit, I've always been one of those girls who just does not "get" why girls lift weights, I always thought it would just make you bulky, but now I've seen some stuff on here I want to give it a go, because I understand now that isn't it. It seems to me that the girls that are lifting are the ones I who have the kind of body I'd love (eventually)

I don't go to a gym or anything, so I was wondering if anyone had some advice on how I could start out doing things like this at home? I have ZERO sorts of gym equipment, and about the same amount of knowledge about how on earth I'd start out. Totally clueless, so go easy on me please!

Also, I've been told before that there's no point in weights until you've reached your goal... is that true, or is it just one of those silly things people tell you?

karadawn14

I usually lift weights about 4 days a week for all different muscle groups and I still have about 20 lbs to go before I get to my goal. why wait?

BAMFMeredith

The most basic things you can start to do without any equipment are push ups. They work your arms, core, shoulders, everything! Even if you have to do them on your knees (I still do!), that's a start. Invest in a set of dumbells that are a comfortable weight for you. Heavy enough that it is challenging to lift them, but not so heavy that you can't do more than a few curls or whatever. I love strength training! Makes me feel all strong and powerful haha

10kaday

I asked a fitness trainer in my gym at work this same question about what I can do at home (besides pushups, dips, etc). She recommended at TRX (which is in my work's gym as well). I started using it, and man is it awesome. Women and men both use it. It looks easy at first, but it's not. Check it out: http://www.trxtraining.com/ I even bought one for myself too. You can hook it to the door or just about anything like that. Just goto youtube and search on TRX and you'll find a ton of videos.

I also bought Power Blocks (dumbells that adjust the weight) So basically you pull this thing out of one side and but it into another slot and it changes the weight. But this way you only have two dumbells vrs an entire rack.

Anyway... it's what I'm doing and is working out great for me.

Oh and yes... people of all shapes and sizes can do strength training. It's great for weight loss! If you want more help on this PM me anytime.

mhotch

If you are just starting out, I would suggest resistance bands, a stability ball, a mat, and a trip to the library. You can do a lot of strength exercises using your own body weight, stairs, and a kitchen chair.

Check out some books, and fitness DVD's at the library to give you an idea. Try them out at home. When you find a book and/or DVD that works for you, then go buy it.

thecrossfitter

I did not wait until I reached my goal to start lifting (in fact, I think it helped me reach my goal). In addition to pure strength training I also did an 8-25 minute high intensity workout as well.

If you want, you can start with body weight stuff:
http://nerdfitness.com/blog/2009/12/09/beginner-body-weight-workout-burn-fat-build-muscle/

I've heard great things about the New Rules of Lifting for Women, but I haven't tried it myself. (Crossfit is my drug of choice lol)

I just wanted to share the body weight strength training, because it's something you can start TODAY without buying anything. This should give you some time to research and not feel rushed to make any purchases. I also recommend signing up with nerd fitness to get their emails. You will get an email a week for 3 weeks with "missions" and recommended readings!

beskimoosh

Thanks for the advice so far! It's something I've never done at all so it's all really helpful.

sarbu24

I use 3 lb weights and a resistance band. I started 5 weeks ago and can already tell a huge differance in my arms. I highly recommend it.