Scared of the Weights Room at the Gym HELP PLEASE!

KeianaSmiles

Hello Everyone,
I have recently gotten back into the gym and I am finally ready to take full advantage of owning a gym membership. So far I went to my first exercise class ever (Zumba!) and I am learning how to use the cardio machines the proper way with the proper form. Now I am ready to face my fear of the weight room and begin building some lean muscle. I wanted to know if you guys had any websites or advise as far as how to start out and get the most effective strength training workout at the gym? I know some might say hire a personal trainer but I am a young women on a budget so that is somewhat out of the question for now. Thank you guys so much for taking the time out to read this and good luck on your journeys

vinchass9

i hear gymrats on live journal is informative.

AnnaMolly17

Try New Rules of Lifting for Women. I myself started the program recently and I feel like it gave me a great introduction into the weight room. It has everything spelled out for you from exercises to nutrition. Also, check out the NROL4W forums here on myfitnesspal, you'll find the ladies there very inspirational


edit: new rules of lifting, not weightlifting sorry.

Cat_Lifts

I'd recommend not overdoing it your first time with too much weight in one day - that's sometimes a sure way to discourage people from wanting to come back. I watched lots of tutorials, videos, and I recommend Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe, New Rules of Lifting for Women, or Stronglifts. They include a variety of compound exercises, meaning they work multiple muscles at once which helps to maximize your effects from working out. Isolation machines don't quite work your body in the same way compound exercises do, and if anyone recommends using a Smith machine, just walk (or run!) away.

Bodybuilding.com has some excellent videos and advice for maintaining proper form as well as demonstrating the actual movements. I highly recommend Jamie Eason's program as well, which has weekly breakdowns of exercise routines.
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jamie-easons-livefit-phase-1.html

I feel you there on the budget with a PT issue, I too couldn't afford one if I wanted. I've been teaching myself multiple things lately, such as proper squatting form, how to deadlift, and bench press - things I never thought I'd see myself being able to perform, much less perform correctly. Never hesitate to ask anyone here for any help in regards to lifting, most of us really encourage it.

DavPul

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/102-new-rules-of-lifting-for-women-nrol4w

nornyb

I really like Fitness Magazine, the hard version as well as the online one, they have a great app for tablets and you can watch vidoes showing you proper form.