When to start strength training?

pspetralia

I have lost 16 pounds & have at least 25 more pounds. I do cardio on most days and strength train sporadically mostly using my own body weight. My question is at what point do I seriously start using weights? Do you wait until most of your weight & fat are gone or before? Thanks for your help!

Helloitsdan

Now!

Yesterday!!!!
=D

Get started with any program and youll do fine!

If you have access to a gym, look into any of the starting Strength programs or Stronglifts 5x5.
Both programs build real world strength but wont make you bulky.

BerryH

Seconded, the moment you start resistance training you're building muscle which will increase your lean body mass percentage and help burn more calories.

A lot of people will tell you to lift heavy or go home, but honestly when you're just starting out, any weight will make a difference. For each exercise, find a weight you're struggling with after 8 reps (repetitions) and you'll start to build strength.

If you're a member of a gym, collar a trainer to set you a programme, it's what they're there for. If not, there's a beginner's workout here, but as it's from BB.com, it's a little biased!
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/fawnia1.htm

A lot of people recommend New Rules Of Lifting For Women which has some great workouts but a rather protein-shake heavy meal plan. Personally I prefer Smart Girls Do Dumbbells, which you can get from Amazon, and is completely do-able at home.

Good luck!

Bikini27

ASAP.
Start with light weights and get your form correct. If you belong to a gym, request a personal trainer to take you around and demonstrate the different machines. But be warned! Personal trainers are human, and make mistakes. To prevent injury, do a little research on proper form with machines and free weights.

Once you get the form correct, then go to town!! I *love* strength training. It makes everything fit better

rml_16

I can't think of a single reason not to strength train from the beginning. Why wait?

JustJennie1

Congrats on the weight loss! Definitely start lifting weights now and as another poster said start out light and when you get comfortable with that weight then you go up.

Since you said to do it sporadically I would suggest doing one body part a day (which is what my husband and I do and it works out great). For example: Monday - Chest & Abs; Tuesday - Back & legs; Wednesday - Shoulders & Abs; Thursday - Tri's & Legs; Friday - Bi's & Abs (that's pretty much what my husband and I do) and then start it all over the next day you hit the gym. If you're unsure about what exercises to do watch what other people are doing and ask them about it or get one of the people who works at the gym to help you out.

Good luck on your journey!!

JenGranzow

How about today? Is today good for you? : )

pspetralia

Thank you all for answering and all the info!! So, I'm thinking now would be a good time! LOL! I will do it when I get home. Thanks again!!