how do you start weight training?

mummma

ive been reading so many success stories that say that they weight train. ive only ever done cardio... when i get down to a healthier weight id be be interested in starting some kind of weight training. but i know nothing about it....

where would i start? does anyone have any good websites where i could learn more.... thanks xxx

dinosnopro

www.startingstrenght.com

www.stronglifts.com

Or a lot of people recommend the book New Rules Of Lifting for Women

There are others but I am drawing a blank right now.

New_Keeley

I've just started lifting and had (still have) no real idea of what I'm doing just that I want a bit more muscle! I don't want to be a bodybuilder so am not interested in eating 17 chicken breasts for breakfast or drinking raw egg whites I just want a little less body fat and a bit more lean muscle. If my diet has to alter then fine as long as it's not extreme!

I asked the guys at the gym, told them my aims/goals and they have put a programme together for me that will be reviewed every 6weeks.

I found the info on the web really confusing, the PT's at the gym were really helpful though.

If you go to a gym ask them for some help.

(I will check out those sites that have been posted above though ;-) )

mummma

thankyou

cindylou_21

Same goes for me. I have pretty much reached my goal weight. I do some arm curls (5 lb weights) and I'm up to around 60 reps on my ab roller, but I have no idea what else to do....I will be watching this thread as well...

estherwhetstone

go to nerdfitness.com, that site is loaded with awesome info! I'm just doing bodyweight exercises right now, 3 days a week and it's awesome!!

babyblues4

Bodybuilding.com has a lot of information and programs to follow

shivaslives

Advice is worth exactly what you pay for it. If you want a real strength training program tailored to your needs and goals, spend some time with a personal trainer. It's made a tremendous difference for me and was well worth the money.



Advice is worth exactly what you pay for it!

ablykins

Body by Design and New Rules of Weight Lifting for Women are good places to start. I would encourage you to start lifting right away, don't wait because you think you need to slim down first. You would be AMAZED at what heavy lifting and a healthy, balanced diet will do for you in terms of fat loss.

Elleinnz

Personally I would advise a few sessions with a personal trainer - and then you can get going on your own.....it is really important to learn proper form, but also to have someone to help you understand that you can actually lift heavier than you think...

And don't wait - there is no reason for you not to start now - I started at 330lbs!!

chachita7

Bodybuilding.com has a lot of information and programs to follow

Following a program at first is the best way... I agree with the recommendation above

ablykins

Advice is worth exactly what you pay for it. If you want a real strength training program tailored to your needs and goals, spend some time with a personal trainer. It's made a tremendous difference for me and was well worth the money.


Just wanted to say I agree with this and certainly would encourage anyone looking into a lifting program to invest in at least a few sessions with a QUALIFIED personal trainer with a track record of producing successful clients. I work with a high successful trainer in my area and it has made all the difference. If you make the commitment to weight loss, the money you save by eliminating fast food, junk food, soda, and alcohol can easily pay for at least a few sessions with a personal trainer.

_HeathBar_

I just started strength training a few weeks ago. I read New Rule of Weight Lifting for Women to get some good information about lifting in general.

I decided not to use the workout plan in NROWL and started Stronglifts 5x5 instead. It's so easy and straightforward, I love it!


We have a group for women doing this program. Check it out!
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/4618-stronglifts-5x5-for-women

jrsey86

bump!

msps1973

I have been using Jackie Warner's DVD's. These will tone you but you won't get bulky. The rountines are low weight and high reps with some cardio mixed in. I use these beacuse I don't have a gym membership and can workout at home. My arms look amazing as do my shoulders and back. And I am slowly losing inches on my legs. And I have been able to increase my weight. I actually need to go buy some 15 and 20 lb dumbells My 2 faves are One-on-one training and Power Circuit Training.

This is NOT hard core lifting!! It works for me and I enjoy yelling at the tv!!!! However, if you have never lifted it is best to go to a gym and learn proper form so you don't injure yourself.

Emagali74

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Kirsty_UK

when i get down to a healthier weight id be be interested in starting some kind of weight training. but i know nothing about it....

I'd advise you to rethink this. Please don't wait until you reach a "healthier weight". Losing weight without doing any strength training means you are losing muscle mass and tone in the process. Start the strength training now, and you'll retain more muscle, even if you can't see it properly yet.

carrie_eggo

www.startingstrength.com

www.stronglifts.com

Or a lot of people recommend the book New Rules Of Lifting for Women

^^^This. And bodybuilding.com has great videos to show you how to do the exercises.

mwilke

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DDBeard

I'm in the same boat as you mummma.

Thanks everyone for sharing!

GymAnJuice

good answers, i'm going to be taking some advice too. already ordered the book 'new rule for lifting for woman', (not that it's came yet though). feel free to add me if you like and we could start together

aiwich

bump for later

Iluvchopsticks

This has already been mentioned but starting strength is probably one of your best bets. NROLW has good info but I don't love the actual plans. I prefer something more basic that gets the job done. If you can afford a trainer who understands the lifts and barbell training you could start there and get them to watch your form and make sure you are set up for success before branching out on your own. If not, just read the books and maybe check out some videos that show correct form and start out with light weight to make sure you are doing everything correctly before loading up your bar. Either way, I would get started sooner than later. Good luck

mummma

thankyou all so much for your advice.... im currently doing the 30 day shred which is the first time ive really heard about combining weight training and cardio.

ill do some research and start

thanks everyone x

FlaxMilk

Weight training has been far and away my favorite part of my exercise routine. It usually feels like me time. Good luck!

brismom070897

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andeey

I was going to do the "wait until I'm in better shape" thing as well, but after reading lots of good advice on MFP, I joined a gym and hired a personal trainer to start strength training NOW and I've been so happy that I did! The first time I went was killer and I had a hard time walking/squatting for a couple of days, but the time after was much easier and so now I mix strength training and cardio.

Cardio is good, but strength training makes my muscles burn and I feel like I'm accomplishing something because I feel it after for much longer. Get the books if you want, but I can't recommend enough getting a PT to help begin and set up some programs and show you the right ways to do things. Good luck!

MamaBGood

Bumpity bump.

kopmom

I just started Stronglifts 5x5

I like it because you can just download from online and it is only 6 lifts (3 per workout), so very basic

Angie0rtiz

I was going to do the "wait until I'm in better shape" thing as well, but after reading lots of good advice on MFP, I joined a gym and hired a personal trainer to start strength training NOW and I've been so happy that I did! The first time I went was killer and I had a hard time walking/squatting for a couple of days, but the time after was much easier and so now I mix strength training and cardio.

Cardio is good, but strength training makes my muscles burn and I feel like I'm accomplishing something because I feel it after for much longer. Get the books if you want, but I can't recommend enough getting a PT to help begin and set up some programs and show you the right ways to do things. Good luck!

If you dont mind me ask whats your weight? Reason I ask is Im 225 and on 5'5" Just like you I thought weight til I loose more (at least the under 200 mark) then start weight training.
Not sure what to do?

75Juniper

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