Strength training exercises

Shauncho49

I'm sure this subject has been beaten to death and everyone has different ideas of what works and what doesn't but I'm looking for many suggestions so bring them all on.

I want to start strength training but have no idea where to begin. I've searched on the internet only to find WAY too many different types of programs and I don't know what's right for me. I'm hoping someone can help set me in the right direction.

Mainly, I'm looking for what types of exercises, rep/set patterns, and how to scale up to heavier weights.

Thanks in advance for all the help, heckling, trash-talking others suggestions, and all the other typical responses that usually accompany a post of this caliber.

BeachIron

Read Wendler's 5/3/1 and save yourself the hassle of trial and error and the numerous lousy programs out there

phjorg

Read Wendler's 5/3/1 and save yourself the hassle of trial and error and the numerous lousy programs out there

imo 5/3/1 is more an intermediate program. I would suggest starting out with Starting Strength for a few months first before making the jump to wendlers.

grantdumas7

I would also start with starting strength or strong lifts and stick to that program for at least 12 weeks before going to 5/3/1 or The Texas Method.

BeachIron

Read Wendler's 5/3/1 and save yourself the hassle of trial and error and the numerous lousy programs out there

imo 5/3/1 is more an intermediate program. I would suggest starting out with Starting Strength for a few months first before making the jump to wendlers.

Yea, OP, play around for a while first. You may want to actually start with pilates

PureAdamic

Read Wendler's 5/3/1 and save yourself the hassle of trial and error and the numerous lousy programs out there

imo 5/3/1 is more an intermediate program. I would suggest starting out with Starting Strength for a few months first before making the jump to wendlers.

Yea, OP, play around for a while first. You may want to actually start with pilates

If you've read Wendler's book, Jim himself even says 5/3/1 is for intermediate lifters. Granted there is a beginners routine in there, but OP will see faster gains on a program created for beginners.

BeachIron

Read Wendler's 5/3/1 and save yourself the hassle of trial and error and the numerous lousy programs out there

imo 5/3/1 is more an intermediate program. I would suggest starting out with Starting Strength for a few months first before making the jump to wendlers.

Yea, OP, play around for a while first. You may want to actually start with pilates

If you've read Wendler's book, Jim himself even says 5/3/1 is for intermediate lifters. Granted there is a beginners routine in there, but OP will see faster gains on a program created for beginners.

Yea, I've read the book. And, like you say, he modifies the program for beginners. The point is work with a program and stick with it for the long haul rather than buying several books and jumping from one to the other. It saves head aches and money.

http://www.jimwendler.com/2011/09/531-for-a-beginner/

0OneTwo3

Give yourself some time to get accustomed to the movements before doing 5/3/1. I did Starting Strength for a few weeks for that reason.

crisanderson27

I would also recommend getting in some time on a beginner's program before stepping up. An injury due to inexperience and poor form is going to set you back MUCH farther than the few months you might spend doing Stronglifts or Starting Strength.

Shauncho49

Thanks for all the help and advice, guys. I really appreciate it. I'll check into Starting Strength and go from there.