Need help staying on course with weight lifting

smardie

Every year I start out doing weight training, mostly machines, but after 6 weeks, I quit and go back to more cardio.

My legs are in pretty good shape from spinning and walking, but my upper body , not so much .

Not trying to look like Mr. America, but don't want to look like Gilligan either.

any suggestions ?

and could always use more friends for support

Mark

Ge0rgiana

Why machines? Why not free weights? Just curious.

BellaFe

Free weights, free weight, free weights!

sarahrbraun

Every year I start out doing weight training, mostly machines, but after 6 weeks, I quit and go back to more cardio.

My legs are in pretty good shape from spinning and walking, but my upper body , not so much .

Not trying to look like Mr. America, but don't want to look like Gilligan either.

any suggestions ?

and could always use more friends for support

Mark

I think you just need to want it bad enough. I want to be strong BAD...so I go to the gym and I lift 4x a week. Even when I had an injury and could not do much, I still went in ( on crutches) and did what I could do.

ninerbuff

The desire has to come from you. Once that's set, you'll stay on course.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

anfernyy

you need to step up your game. machines are good for beginners that struggle with stability issues. you aint gettin no gains cuz your not challenging your body. find the courage to lift those dumbbells and barbells. you will definitely get see a big change in your physique. if you need some advice on weight lifting ill be happy to help you

lilRicki

set up a specific routine. Read New Rules of Lifting, print out the stages and get at 'er! You just need structure and a goal in mind.

Cr01502

Get a proper program.

Know what you're doing before you set foot in the door.

mustgetmuscles1

I think picking a free weight program helps a lot of people. It is structured and you can see results quicker without all the wandering from machine to machine.

Stronglifts 5x5 is free. Download it and start right away. In 6 weeks I bet you will see some much better results than you have in the past. Seeing results helps a lot with motivation.

theresmynapkin

Can I get a "Free Weights!"?

like someone else said New Rules of Lifting will teach you about free weights and what not. go forth grasshopper!

lacurandera1

Free weights, free weight, free weights!

I'm willing to bet your desire and dedication wander because your results are...disappointing.

Free weights can change that.

wareagle8706

Hey there! If you're interested in learning about lifting give me a holler!

Shock_Wave

The desire has to come from you. Once that's set, you'll stay on course.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Desire & stay on course you will.

wareagle8706

or just take a look at what I posted on this thread (yes, it says women, but my routine I posted is not gender specific):

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/837026-women-tell-me-your-weight-lifting-routine

smardie

The machines are easy and you can just do the " circuit " .

I did get that book, the new rules of lifting , last Fall , and read it, but it has been my gathering dust since.

Will take it off the shelf and try it out .

Is it more important to do more reps vs more weight ?

Thanks for your help

mustgetmuscles1

The machines are easy and you can just do the " circuit " .

I did get that book, the new rules of lifting , last Fall , and read it, but it has been my gathering dust since.

Will take it off the shelf and try it out .

Is it more important to do more reps vs more weight ?

Thanks for your help

The program you pick should tell you this. You do the most amount of weight you can, within the prescribed rep range, while maintaining proper safe form.