Just Started Weight Lifting

Graelwyn75

I have only done it about 5 times now. Not sure what weight people generally begin with.
I started by just grabbing a 15kg barbell and doing 3 sets of 8 overhead presses, my first time.

Today I found I can calf press 190Ibs and leg press 100Ibs, first time trying.

I also today deadlifted 5x5 30kg and benchpressed 5x5 15kg and squatted 5x5 15kg.

I initially had thought when the barbell said 15kg on both ends, that this meant the whole thing weighed 30kg... most disappointed to find that isn't the case as it makes me feel somewhat puny, lol.

HelloDan

Absolute numbers are pretty irrelevant, outside of a competition setting. It's all about progressing and making gain, if next time you lift 1kg more and the time after that another 1kg etc... you'll suddenly find that in a few months you're lifting quite an impressive amount. Just keep pushing yourself and progressing, and don't worry too much about the absolute amount you're lifting about comparing your numbers to others just yet.

If you're looking for more friends, I'm always happy to be friends with people who are serious about lifting and making progress.

LorinaLynn

It doesn't matter at all where you start. And it's a great feeling when you can add more and more.

When I started on free weights, I was overhead pressing 30 pounds (less than 15k) and after a few months, I was up to 70 pounds (about 31kg).

RunDoozer

Take a look at stronglifts.com it may give you more of an idea on how to structure your workouts. It also starts off easy and is made for beginners.

Graelwyn75

Take a look at stronglifts.com it may give you more of an idea on how to structure your workouts. It also starts off easy and is made for beginners.

That is what I am following.
I just added on a few extras today.

sarahrbraun

I have only done it about 5 times now. Not sure what weight people generally begin with.
I started by just grabbing a 15kg barbell and doing 3 sets of 8 overhead presses, my first time.

Today I found I can calf press 190Ibs and leg press 100Ibs, first time trying.

I also today deadlifted 5x5 30kg and benchpressed 5x5 15kg and squatted 5x5 15kg.

I initially had thought when the barbell said 15kg on both ends, that this meant the whole thing weighed 30kg... most disappointed to find that isn't the case as it makes me feel somewhat puny, lol.

before you know it, you'll be able to lift much more!

I started with the leg press in October, and on the one I use the beginning resistance is 118lbs...within a week or so I was putting another 90lbs on it (45 on each side). I am currently using a total of 288lbs to do 3x10

a few weeks later I started in the smith machine doing squats with a measly 40lbs on it ( total resistance of 60lbs) and I could barely do a set of 8. In 2 months I was up to a total resistance of 120lbs on the smith machine ( pictures in my profile). A few weeks ago I switched to the power rack and had to drop back down to 75lbs...this week I hit 125lbs for my squat.

Graelwyn75

I have only done it about 5 times now. Not sure what weight people generally begin with.
I started by just grabbing a 15kg barbell and doing 3 sets of 8 overhead presses, my first time.

Today I found I can calf press 190Ibs and leg press 100Ibs, first time trying.

I also today deadlifted 5x5 30kg and benchpressed 5x5 15kg and squatted 5x5 15kg.

I initially had thought when the barbell said 15kg on both ends, that this meant the whole thing weighed 30kg... most disappointed to find that isn't the case as it makes me feel somewhat puny, lol.

before you know it, you'll be able to lift much more!

I started with the leg press in October, and on the one I use the beginning resistance is 118lbs...within a week or so I was putting another 90lbs on it (45 on each side). I am currently using a total of 288lbs to do 3x10

a few weeks later I started in the smith machine doing squats with a measly 40lbs on it ( total resistance of 60lbs) and I could barely do a set of 8. In 2 months I was up to a total resistance of 120lbs on the smith machine ( pictures in my profile). A few weeks ago I switched to the power rack and had to drop back down to 75lbs...this week I hit 125lbs for my squat.

Not used a smith machine or rack, I have just been doing it without so far. No doubt at some point I will need to use the rack.

Sycoholic

We've all started at a point that seemed low. If you keep at it and push yourself you'll make gains really fast. I was going up about 5lbs on everything each week for a very long time. I've started to plateau a bit now. I've changed up my routine to compensate but at some point you slow down a bit. So now I'd say it's about 5lbs every two weeks. (5lbs per arm, such as dumbell. Barbell would be 10lbs) Do you have a spotter or somebody who can spot you? You can ask people at the gym and they shouldn't mind. Do you last set with a spotter... you'll maximize muscle gains if you NEED the spotter on your last one or two.

Graelwyn75

We've all started at a point that seemed low. If you keep at it and push yourself you'll make gains really fast. I was going up about 5lbs on everything each week for a very long time. I've started to plateau a bit now. I've changed up my routine to compensate but at some point you slow down a bit. So now I'd say it's about 5lbs every two weeks. (5lbs per arm, such as dumbell. Barbell would be 10lbs) Do you have a spotter or somebody who can spot you? You can ask people at the gym and they shouldn't mind. Do you last set with a spotter... you'll maximize muscle gains if you NEED the spotter on your last one or two.

I don't know anyone at the gym yet, not sure I would dare ask for a spotter, but I shall probably have to once I decide to lift heavier.
I am aiming more to maintain muscle, or build just a little right now, as I am eating at a calorie deficit at present.
I have noticed, the first time I picked up the barbell and just lifted it 3 sets of 8, I got real muscle soreness and could not even move my arms to scrub my back, lol. I felt that for days and rather enjoyed it, actually.

For some reason, I have not had that since, even doing more lifts, and heavier.
So I am guessing I need to do more reps, or add some more weight. I tried overheading 30kg, but I could only manage 2 sets of 3 reps, before totally being unable to raise the barbell over my head, so I am not sure how to work that.