Weight Training for Dummies

bluebirdlx
bluebirdlx Posts: 39
edited January 16 in Fitness and Exercise
Yes. It's a real book. And yes, I'm considering buying it. Does anyone have other websites or books they'd recommend for someone just starting out? I have plans to get a trainer to teach me proper form, but I'd like to get some baseline knowledge.

Also, does anyone have experience with lifting with an upper back injury? I had surgery in 2008 on my thoracic spine. I was given so many instructions on being careful and not lifting more than 10lbs (in any form) that it made me nervous. However, that was a long time ago and I need to stop using it as an excuse.

Any advice is appreciated!

Replies

  • NikoM5
    NikoM5 Posts: 488 Member
    Getting an RKC certified trainer would be the best bet. Don't just get any trainer, they need to have RKC cert. I can't tell you how many regular trainers I've seen giving terrible KB instruction. Poor KB form is an injury waiting to happen


    Edit: Huh.. for some reason I thought you asked about Kettblebell training. lol, Monday. :/
  • DrFlave
    DrFlave Posts: 59 Member
    Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training by Mark Rippetoe.
  • GiddyupTim
    GiddyupTim Posts: 2,819 Member
    Do you need to check with your doctor first? Might not be a bad idea. Then, as mentioned, get a qualified trainer to help get you started with an appropriate program.
  • SneakyWaff1es
    SneakyWaff1es Posts: 51 Member
    Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training by Mark Rippetoe.

    I second this. PM me if you're looking for a copy.

    Although I'm not sure it's a great idea given a surgically repaired spine. You may want to ask the neurosurgeon that did it how they feel about you lifting weights first. I would imagine if you start at a very light weight it wouldn't hurt but I'm not exactly a doctor.
  • RepsnSets
    RepsnSets Posts: 805 Member
    I think you should consult with your doctor.

    I started lifting by joining a gym and having a PT show me the ropes for once a week for about a month. Then I bought the Body for Life book. had great instructionsions with photos and was basic not confusing or anything. That book helped me gain so much knowledge and good form Im now busting out 5x5x3x8 linear programme but Body for Life got me to where I am today :)
  • jlapey
    jlapey Posts: 1,850 Member
    Definitely speak to a doctor before you do anything.

    "The New Rules of Lifting For Women" (by Lou Schuler, Cassandra Forsythe, and Alwyn Cosgrove) has a great section on nutrition. It's worth reading whether you decide to follow the lifting program or not.
  • Loftearmen
    Loftearmen Posts: 380
    The first book anyone should buy is "Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training" by Mark Rippetoe. After that, I would recommend "Practical Programming" by Mark Rippetoe and after those gains are exhausted I would get 5/3/1 2nd edition. There is really no reason to use more complicated periodization and training techniques beyond 5/3/1 unless you are really, really strong and trying to get even stronger.
  • Lt_Starbuck
    Lt_Starbuck Posts: 576 Member
    New Rules of Lifting
  • __RANDY__
    __RANDY__ Posts: 1,036 Member
    The first book anyone should buy is "Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training" by Mark Rippetoe. After that, I would recommend "Practical Programming" by Mark Rippetoe and after those gains are exhausted I would get 5/3/1 2nd edition. There is really no reason to use more complicated periodization and training techniques beyond 5/3/1 unless you are really, really strong and trying to get even stronger.

    this is it
  • Lady_Bane
    Lady_Bane Posts: 720 Member
    bodybuilding.com
  • Lady_Bane
    Lady_Bane Posts: 720 Member
    ......there are no NEW rules. I hate this book. I want to burn them all. All that information in that book you can find online, or go read in any body building book, like Arnolds, and get the SAME advice.
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    Starting Strength
  • AZKristi
    AZKristi Posts: 1,801 Member
    I would definitely check with your doctor to make sure they don't recommend any restrictions (certain movements to avoid or limits on what you can lift). After you are cleared by your physician, there are several books you can start with. I've had great results with the Women's Health Big Book of Exercises and New Rules of Lifting for women. I'm currently doing New Rules of Lifting for Abs which I like best so far!
  • Loftearmen
    Loftearmen Posts: 380
    I would definitely check with your doctor to make sure they don't recommend any restrictions (certain movements to avoid or limits on what you can lift). After you are cleared by your physician, there are several books you can start with. I've had great results with the Women's Health Big Book of Exercises and New Rules of Lifting for women. I'm currently doing New Rules of Lifting for Abs which I like best so far!

    The orthopedic surgeon will recommend ridiculously low lifting restrictions and will probably discourage her from exercising altogether unless it's done in a swimming pool or under the direct supervision and instruction of a physical therapist. Asking a doctor about exercise is like asking a hobo how to make money.
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