Weight Lifting and a Trainer?

lisasch67

So over the last 4 years, I have lost 45 pounds, with my ultimate loss goal being 60 pounds. It's been a true lifestyle change for me. The problem is, that I've lost most of this weight, by cardio and running and I've just realized all the benefits to lifting and/or strength training. I did some research and thought I found some good weight programs, but they mostly involve the 5, 8, 10 lbs weights. The more research I do, the more I realize this is not the way to really strength train.

Anyway, yesterday I got one of those free fitness assessment that a lot of gyms offer with your membership and just like I thought, I have no idea what I am doing and I am not quite doing it right. During the movement test, I discovered how certain muscles have tightened up from years of just running and cardio. (Which would explain the recent back and hip pain that has become all too common to me recently) . While I was working out, he was constantly correcting me, cuz my body kept trying to do it the way I have been doing it, but when he corrected me, I felt so much better. And, clearly using different muscles because holy crap, am I sore in such a different way today.

Anyway, I can just barely afford it, but there's a one hour a month deal, for 6 months, that I want to try. My question is should I do it? Should I get a trainer? I feel like it's a good idea to start out learning the right movements, but it is a good chunk of change. For those of you who do lift, how did you learn proper form and how to design workouts for yourselves? Did you use a trainer or some other resources? Should I just get some books and try to teach myself how to do this. What do people think?

Thanks!

amaybee13

Honestly everyone has a different approach. Having 4 kids at home I didn't feel like going to the gym was good for me. I personally use Chalene Extreme right now for weight lifting and love it. She does show you the proper form while lifting and I have had great results. I also run and do JNL fusion to help aid my weight loss and fitness level.

FullOfWin

Read Starting Strength. Watch videos. Make videos of yourself and post them for form checks. Don't make up your own routine. Get on a prewritten routine that matches your goals and training level. Check this out http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/686963-large-collection-of-info-for-beginners

olsondre

a trainer can be helpful, but not if it breaks the bank. However, taking the time and effort to learning to lift with proper form will be well worth the investment. You could take videos of you doing certain lifts and use people on knowledgeable sites to help you with feedback or suggestions

edit: as the person above said, I wouldn't try writing your own plan at first. Try finding something established to follow for awhile