Starting Jamie Eason's tomorrow. Weights??

Imanido

Hi I am starting Jamie Eason's 12 week programm tomorrow. I am going to try to do it at home using mainly dumbbells, exercise ball and elastic bands. Sooo....definitely I will have to find some alternative exercises, but I am sure it could be done (somehow).

I am just starting lifting (after leaving it for more than 10 years) so I am really interested to know what weight of dumbbells would be advisable to use, I know I should be able to reach 8 repetitions and not more than 10. But I am not really sure what weight do ladies usually start with (roughly), I think I might need a new set of dumbbells (mine are pretty "dumb" weight-wise so I think I might need to buy something heavier to start with). What weight did you started and how quick did you raised to more pounds?

Imanido

Bump

meerkat70

I think I'd be inclined to find an alternative programme. She's very focused on weight machines, particularly in the early stages, I can't see how you'd follow it.

I feel pretty sure there are programmes out there more suited to what you *do* have to work with? Lots of bodyweight exercise, and schedules for resistance band work outs.... ?

ErinBeth7

I'm starting this today too. However, I have a gym membership so I can use the weights there, but not all the machines she mentions are at my gym. I have done a few of her arm and leg exercises last week. I did 3 sets of 12 reps for each exercise. For arm exercises, I did anywhere from 15-30lbs depending on what muscle I was using. For leg exercises it was 20-45lbs. I really didn't know what weight to start on, so I just tried different ones until I felt a certain weight was challenging, but not too much. Just enough to feel a burn. If it's not getting your heart rate up, just a bit, then it's probably not heavy enough. You don't want your heart rate to be exploding...that's too much. You'll know when you start lifting, if it's too much. Don't be afraid to experiment with different amounts of weight. That's the best way to tell.

Also, add some cardio to this routine. She doesn't mention cardio, but it is important to mix strength and cardio. It'll help you lose inches. Be sure to do strength BEFORE cardio. I usually do my weight routine and then 20-30 min of cardio depending on how hard I feel like working.

Imanido

1st day done, no problem with any exercise for Chest/Triceps. I started with weight between 7-9lbs depending on the exercise and I can't feel my arms right now (LOL). I think it is going to be a looong way to go for the weight you are using but (hopefully) I will get there.