Ladies & Weights... How did you start?

TNTwedell
TNTwedell Posts: 277 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Ladies,

Im set on starting a weight routine but have NO IDEA HOW TO START!
Maybe this sounds silly - but really - i dont know where to begin.

I've been to the gym a million times - ex cardio queen here -
I can take a bootcamp class with the best of em, and I have had trainers - so I get it the whole concept of working out and weights, etc
But with cardio --- there really is no plan. its just start going and dont stop til you've hit your limit
with classes & trainers --- you kinda just follow direction. I dont have to THINK about what Im doing or plan ahead. they do that FOR me.
so now that I have to start fending for myself... and Im kinda intimidated by the whole process.... can you help me out?

1. how do you know what to do each day? I mean - I get the whole "leg day" or arms & back, whatever. But how do i know WHICH exercises to do and how to do them?
2. how do you know you're doing the sets properly (form, etc)?
3. how do i NOT get intimidated with all the muscle-y people taking up the equipment

Thanks so much!
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Replies

  • Determinednoob
    Determinednoob Posts: 2,001 Member
    My wife read Starting Strength and walked into the gym doing barbell back squats, deadlifts, bent rows, bench press, standing overhead press with little instruction from me. Check the link below

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/686963-large-collection-of-info-for-beginners
  • karensoxfan
    karensoxfan Posts: 902 Member

    1. how do you know what to do each day? I mean - I get the whole "leg day" or arms & back, whatever. But how do i know WHICH exercises to do and how to do them?
    2. how do you know you're doing the sets properly (form, etc)?
    3. how do i NOT get intimidated with all the muscle-y people taking up the equipment

    Thanks so much!

    1. For me, I read and started following New Rules of Lifting for Women. It's 2-3 total body lifting sessions/week, laid out very specifically over a 7-stage plan. There's a group here for it too that you might want to check out: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/102-new-rules-of-lifting-for-women-nrol4w

    2. NROLFW includes photographs of 99% of the moves required and specific instructions on how to use proper form on each move.

    3. You remember that you're a dues-paying member with as much right to use the equipment as anyone else. You go in, you do the work, you put your weights away when you're done, and you walk away a little stronger than when you went in. ;)
  • jlkhrk81204
    jlkhrk81204 Posts: 14
    I've only recently started....cause I've also been the cardio queen. But like you, I knew I was missing that resistance traning. I've enlisted in the help of a trainor when my gym was running a special. I'm only doing twice a month with the trainer and each time I meet with him he gives me 2 sets which include a total of 6 activities. He tells me clearly what area we are focusing on each day. So far I have a workout for legs and core, arms and core, and shoulders/back and core. I don't plan on using a trainer for very long....just long enough to teach me what I need to know to do it on my own.
  • TNTwedell
    TNTwedell Posts: 277 Member

    1. how do you know what to do each day? I mean - I get the whole "leg day" or arms & back, whatever. But how do i know WHICH exercises to do and how to do them?
    2. how do you know you're doing the sets properly (form, etc)?
    3. how do i NOT get intimidated with all the muscle-y people taking up the equipment

    Thanks so much!

    1. For me, I read and started following New Rules of Lifting for Women. It's 2-3 total body lifting sessions/week, laid out very specifically over a 7-stage plan. There's a group here for it too that you might want to check out: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/102-new-rules-of-lifting-for-women-nrol4w

    2. NROLFW includes photographs of 99% of the moves required and specific instructions on how to use proper form on each move.

    3. You remember that you're a dues-paying member with as much right to use the equipment as anyone else. You go in, you do the work, you put your weights away when you're done, and you walk away a little stronger than when you went in. ;)

    Thanks! I actually bought that book hoping it would help.
    but got a bit overwhelmed at the start....
    Did you take the book with you to the gym when you first started?? I think Im going to have to --- how else would I remember everything?
    aw man, Im gonna be that girl with a "how to" guide... HAHA
  • Angie__1MR
    Angie__1MR Posts: 388 Member
    I started with Muscle & Fitness Hers.
  • kdiamond
    kdiamond Posts: 3,329 Member
    You need to get on a program - I along with many on this board recommend The New Rules of Lifting for Women - it is a great beginner to intermediate program. I've done it twice and have learned a lot and got some good results.

    Don't feel intimidated, as long as you have a plan of action and don't wander around the weight room you won't feel that way.
  • yoovie
    yoovie Posts: 17,121 Member
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  • karensoxfan
    karensoxfan Posts: 902 Member
    Thanks! I actually bought that book hoping it would help.
    but got a bit overwhelmed at the start....
    Did you take the book with you to the gym when you first started?? I think Im going to have to --- how else would I remember everything?
    aw man, Im gonna be that girl with a "how to" guide... HAHA

    I've never taken the whole book with me to the gym. I make a workout log listing the exercises I need to do, in the order I need to do them, with the # of reps, sets, and how long rest to take, then I just fill in the blanks as to how much weight I used. 1 sheet of paper & a pen. That's it.

    If I needed to jot down reminders for myself (like in stage 3 for YTWL's which way my hands were supposed to be facing, or something like that, I just jotted down my reminders on the back of the page. Then, before each new stage, I just re-read the descriptions of those moves to refresh my memory too.
  • Isileo
    Isileo Posts: 13 Member
    I bought and read starting strength and then started following Rippetoe's forum as well. I love it.
  • perfect10isha
    perfect10isha Posts: 200 Member
    "Thanks! I actually bought that book hoping it would help.
    but got a bit overwhelmed at the start....
    Did you take the book with you to the gym when you first started?? I think Im going to have to --- how else would I remember everything?
    aw man, Im gonna be that girl with a "how to" guide... HAHA"
    [/quote]

    I have the book on my sony reader so I typically practice the moves at home first, and then I only take 1 sheet of paper (front to back) that I can log my weight/reps. I've also made little notes next to each workout with reminders about what it is. However, there are plenty of women who just take the book with them. Honestly people will probably be more intrigued than anything else. I'm always catching guys trying to sneak a glance at my paper if I set it down or straight out ask what program I'm doing. You could always put the info in your phone, plenty of people log workouts and such on their phones nowadays. Once you get in there and get focused you'll forget about feeling intimidated.
  • LoraF83
    LoraF83 Posts: 15,694 Member

    1. how do you know what to do each day? I mean - I get the whole "leg day" or arms & back, whatever. But how do i know WHICH exercises to do and how to do them?
    2. how do you know you're doing the sets properly (form, etc)?
    3. how do i NOT get intimidated with all the muscle-y people taking up the equipment

    Thanks so much!

    1. For me, I read and started following New Rules of Lifting for Women. It's 2-3 total body lifting sessions/week, laid out very specifically over a 7-stage plan. There's a group here for it too that you might want to check out: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/102-new-rules-of-lifting-for-women-nrol4w

    2. NROLFW includes photographs of 99% of the moves required and specific instructions on how to use proper form on each move.

    3. You remember that you're a dues-paying member with as much right to use the equipment as anyone else. You go in, you do the work, you put your weights away when you're done, and you walk away a little stronger than when you went in. ;)

    Thanks! I actually bought that book hoping it would help.
    but got a bit overwhelmed at the start....
    Did you take the book with you to the gym when you first started?? I think Im going to have to --- how else would I remember everything?
    aw man, Im gonna be that girl with a "how to" guide... HAHA

    I recommend the NROLFW a lot, and I have the book at home. But I personally wanted something a little simpler, so I'm doing a 5x5 program. 5 sets, 5 reps each. Look up Strong Lifts - they have a good 5x5 program. It makes it easy to get in, get out and get the basics down. They also have an app for the iPhone that makes it really easy.

    As far as muscle-y people at the gym, I haven't had to deal with that because I lift at the gym at my workplace. I'm usually the only one there. But I can tell you that most men are thrilled to have a woman in their general vicinity, so I wouldn't worry about it! :laugh:
  • theginnyray
    theginnyray Posts: 208 Member
    Thanks! I actually bought that book hoping it would help.
    but got a bit overwhelmed at the start....
    Did you take the book with you to the gym when you first started?? I think Im going to have to --- how else would I remember everything?
    aw man, Im gonna be that girl with a "how to" guide... HAHA

    I'll second (or third, or fourth) NROL4W. Sorry you felt overwhelmed. What part felt overwhelming? As someone who has never lifted before, I thought the book was a really great introduction to lifting, explaining why and how.

    I am in Stage 4. I take the book with me every time. Sometimes I need to re-read how to do something. I sometimes see other people writing stuff on pieces of paper also, so it's not uncommon. I like to make notes to myself, so that when I go and do the workout next week, I can remember why I did or didn't increase. No one has said anything, or looked at me weird. And even if they did, I probly wouldn't care. It's my workout, not theirs.
  • TNTwedell
    TNTwedell Posts: 277 Member
    you guys are awesome - thank you for the advice. Sounds like the Book is weight lifting bible & I WILL adhere.
    I think Ill take the book ---
    Im so relieved to hear that other people have BEEN here ---- going to the gym, I feel like Im the only newbie..
    so now --- Im going to go armed, educated and F anyone who judges... :blushing:

    here we go......
  • Determinednoob
    Determinednoob Posts: 2,001 Member

    1. how do you know what to do each day? I mean - I get the whole "leg day" or arms & back, whatever. But how do i know WHICH exercises to do and how to do them?
    2. how do you know you're doing the sets properly (form, etc)?
    3. how do i NOT get intimidated with all the muscle-y people taking up the equipment

    Thanks so much!

    1. For me, I read and started following New Rules of Lifting for Women. It's 2-3 total body lifting sessions/week, laid out very specifically over a 7-stage plan. There's a group here for it too that you might want to check out: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/102-new-rules-of-lifting-for-women-nrol4w

    2. NROLFW includes photographs of 99% of the moves required and specific instructions on how to use proper form on each move.

    3. You remember that you're a dues-paying member with as much right to use the equipment as anyone else. You go in, you do the work, you put your weights away when you're done, and you walk away a little stronger than when you went in. ;)

    Thanks! I actually bought that book hoping it would help.
    but got a bit overwhelmed at the start....
    Did you take the book with you to the gym when you first started?? I think Im going to have to --- how else would I remember everything?
    aw man, Im gonna be that girl with a "how to" guide... HAHA

    I recommend the NROLFW a lot, and I have the book at home. But I personally wanted something a little simpler, so I'm doing a 5x5 program. 5 sets, 5 reps each. Look up Strong Lifts - they have a good 5x5 program. It makes it easy to get in, get out and get the basics down. They also have an app for the iPhone that makes it really easy.

    As far as muscle-y people at the gym, I haven't had to deal with that because I lift at the gym at my workplace. I'm usually the only one there. But I can tell you that most men are thrilled to have a woman in their general vicinity, so I wouldn't worry about it! :laugh:

    Any time I see a woman at the gym doing some serious lifting (which is almost never), even if it isn't much weight, I want to clap and say "Bravo!" but I don't, cause that would make me seem like a wierdo...
  • SocWkrBee
    SocWkrBee Posts: 374
    The biggest factor that prevented me from lifting at the gym was being intimidated by the "boys' side". I started doing a lot of research. I found a plan on simplyshredded.com for women. I looked up each exercise on bodybuilding.com to figure out how to do them. People here are on the New Rules for Lifting bandwagon. I am not saying that it doesn't work. However, that is not the only option.

    Find something that you will do an do it. The only way to figure it out, it to hit the weights. Everything that I read said that beginners should do a full-body workout. I tried it and hated it. Then I tried a three day split. I hated it. I finally discovered a workout that split upper body and lower body and I love it! You do each UB twice per week and LB twice per week. Cardio is done on off days.

    So, after all of that I will answer the question. The best way to start is to START! Get in the gym. Bring a pen and paper with your day's exercises and try them out. Your form might be off a bit, but it takes practice. Lift heavy for you, not what you think should be heavy. I am doing 10lb and 15lb dumbbells and it kills my arms, because I just started and I'm not that strong yet.

    Do your research and good luck. I have found that nothing makes me feel more bad a*& than deadlifting my little 45lb bar!
  • Charmed285
    Charmed285 Posts: 189 Member
    Only doing workout dvds and not having access to the gym, my only option are hand weights. so I won't be able to do dead lifts or anything like that. right now I'm using 5lbs and it's tough on me during the workouts. possibly getting kettlebells in the future as my next dvd will require them. I'm guessing I should still go heavier even if I'm limited in the workouts? I'm a weakling lol but how much should I lift to see results?
  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    I use a trainer.. He makes up the programs, makes a copy for me and then I repeat them on my own.

    I have so many now that I don't even know what to do with them all.
  • mermegan
    mermegan Posts: 143
    Any time I see a woman at the gym doing some serious lifting (which is almost never), even if it isn't much weight, I want to clap and say "Bravo!" but I don't, cause that would make me seem like a wierdo...

    ^^ I would have no problem with this :) Come to my gym, I'll be at the squat rack.

    OP: I'm doing NROL4W and love it! The group on here is awesome and will answer all your newbie questions. Once you get a hang of the workout A/workout B, it's pretty straight forward. I find it simpler than something like livefit trainer (bodybuilding.com) because you're not doing 9 different exercises each time you hit the gym. Also, for help on my squats and deadlifts, I went to the Stronglifts website and watched his videos. That was a major help!

    Just do it! You'll be so glad you did.
  • BaileyBoo13524
    BaileyBoo13524 Posts: 593 Member
    I started with ChaLEAN Extreme which is an at home DVD system I got through month one and loved it, but had to stop because I had surgery, but I will defintely be picking it up when I get a clear from the doc! Good luck!
  • californiagirl2012
    californiagirl2012 Posts: 2,625 Member
    Looks like you got some good advice here on programs to start with. I would start with one of the beginning programs here listed specifically for women. Women's workouts are different. The important thing to remember is that the amount of weight you do is the right amount of weight for YOU, for the given set. You should need the rest in between sets. If you don't need the rest you need to go up in weight. You should be working hard for the last few reps of a set. The amount of weight changes according to the number of reps but most likely the beginner workout won't have you doing low rep / high weight sets. A good program for women will have lots of leg work compared to a mans workout.

    I made the mistake for almost 30 years of just doing what the guys did at the gym. Well it didn't hurt me, and I still got a pretty good muscle base for when I started doing a better program last year, and it still gave me awesome bone density. I really wish they had programs like the ones listed here when I was young but we didn't even have the internet then, let alone home computers.

    I'm super happy you are starting this. Weight lifting is important for all women (and men). I realized I at least did one thing right by lifting all those years because my recent DXA scan showed that at 51.5 years of age my bone density is that of a super fit 30 year old. Now if that is not scientific evidence that lifting keeps you young and stops the clock I don't know what is. So I'm super happy to see you are starting on this. Yay for you!
  • Determinednoob
    Determinednoob Posts: 2,001 Member
    Any time I see a woman at the gym doing some serious lifting (which is almost never), even if it isn't much weight, I want to clap and say "Bravo!" but I don't, cause that would make me seem like a wierdo...

    ^^ I would have no problem with this :) Come to my gym, I'll be at the squat rack.

    OP: I'm doing NROL4W and love it! The group on here is awesome and will answer all your newbie questions. Once you get a hang of the workout A/workout B, it's pretty straight forward. I find it simpler than something like livefit trainer (bodybuilding.com) because you're not doing 9 different exercises each time you hit the gym. Also, for help on my squats and deadlifts, I went to the Stronglifts website and watched his videos. That was a major help!

    Just do it! You'll be so glad you did.

    That is tempting, but then you would be in my way!
  • bridgetpesce
    bridgetpesce Posts: 5
    I LOVE Chalean Extreme. Have been a trainer myself and done all kinds of resistance programs, but Chalene is super motivating, has great music,and I love that she uses the Muscle Failure approach. As a single mom of 3 and 5 year old boys as well as a full-time teacher and business owner I just don't have time to spend hours at the gym like I used to. Plus, it's not necessary! You will train your muscles to "fail" with heavy weights and low reps so most workouts are done in 45 minutes or less. BTW, I have completed P90X and other programs (Tony Horton's narcissism drove me nutso 6 days a week) and this has worked the best for me. I would recommend if you like eating a lot like me to add in some extra cardio a few days a week to reach your goals quicker. You can get this as well as her fun Turbo Jam and Turbofire cardio DVDs at beachbody.com. Happy Exercising! :)
  • californiagirl2012
    californiagirl2012 Posts: 2,625 Member
    Only doing workout dvds and not having access to the gym, my only option are hand weights. so I won't be able to do dead lifts or anything like that. right now I'm using 5lbs and it's tough on me during the workouts. possibly getting kettlebells in the future as my next dvd will require them. I'm guessing I should still go heavier even if I'm limited in the workouts? I'm a weakling lol but how much should I lift to see results?

    You can still do some awesome workouts at home. Get some bigger dumb bells and an easy curl bar with plates. You can do dead lifts and single legged dead lifts, and Bulgarian split squats (single legged squats), lunges, reverse lunges, curtsey lunges, squats, one legged get ups, step ups (you need a sturdy bench) and all kinds of stuff with dumb bells and a bar. Find a good program that has this variety, and combination moves like step up and press, squat and lateral raise, curtsey lunge and press, shoulder press and french press, tricep extension and press, reverse lunge and step up, Bulgarian Split squat and press, etc. I know everyone likes to give me crap about Venus Index but the beginner program is very good for $40 and it's more than a workout, it gives you some awesome goal setting tools and nutritional information. But whatever, find a program like this that you can do at home.
  • AlayshaJ
    AlayshaJ Posts: 703 Member
    I started with Jamie Eason's Live Fit. Google it.

    A lot of people don't like it but it gave me a great base and some starter knowledge for diet and how to plan workouts. Also, what supersets, drop sets, and things like that are.
  • cheryl5115
    cheryl5115 Posts: 154 Member
    Bump
  • Charmed285
    Charmed285 Posts: 189 Member
    Only doing workout dvds and not having access to the gym, my only option are hand weights. so I won't be able to do dead lifts or anything like that. right now I'm using 5lbs and it's tough on me during the workouts. possibly getting kettlebells in the future as my next dvd will require them. I'm guessing I should still go heavier even if I'm limited in the workouts? I'm a weakling lol but how much should I lift to see results?

    You can still do some awesome workouts at home. Get some bigger dumb bells and an easy curl bar with plates. You can do dead lifts and single legged dead lifts, and Bulgarian split squats (single legged squats), lunges, reverse lunges, curtsey lunges, squats, one legged get ups, step ups (you need a sturdy bench) and all kinds of stuff with dumb bells and a bar. Find a good program that has this variety, and combination moves like step up and press, squat and lateral raise, curtsey lunge and press, shoulder press and french press, tricep extension and press, reverse lunge and step up, Bulgarian Split squat and press, etc. I know everyone likes to give me crap about Venus Index but the beginner program is very good for $40 and it's more than a workout, it gives you some awesome goal setting tools and nutritional information. But whatever, find a program like this that you can do at home.

    wouldn't the curl bar be really expensive with heavy weights; heavier weight more it is and I can't keep buying more and more weights to lift heavier. plus, I don't have that much space unless I do it on the floor.

    not trying to take over the thred. just curious so I applogise if this is inappropriate.
  • maricash
    maricash Posts: 280 Member
    bump
  • karensoxfan
    karensoxfan Posts: 902 Member

    Any time I see a woman at the gym doing some serious lifting (which is almost never), even if it isn't much weight, I want to clap and say "Bravo!" but I don't, cause that would make me seem like a wierdo...

    You could come to my gym too! I think applause & Bravos would be awesome! And there are 2 squat racks, so I wouldn't be in your way. :happy:
  • filming_ghosts
    filming_ghosts Posts: 81
    I used to take a BodyPump class with my mom, and it helped a lot. :) Now I just follow the same format...in class we would do a warm up, squat track, chest track, back track, triceps track, biceps track, lunge track, shoulder track, abs track, and cool down (we did a different song for each). So now I pretty much do the same thing. :) I normally do:

    squats:
    -barbell squats 3 sets of 8-12 reps depending on weight

    chest:
    -bench press 3 sets of 8-12 reps
    -pushups

    back:
    -romanian deadlifts 3 sets of 8-12 reps
    -bent over barbell rows 3 sets of 8-12 reps
    -clean and presses (not sure if they're the legit ones, it's just what we do in bodypump) 3 sets of 5-8 reps

    triceps:
    -skullcrushers 3 sets of 8-10 reps
    -triceps bench press 3 sets of 8-12 reps
    -overhead extension with a heavy weight 3 sets of 8-10 reps

    biceps:
    -biceps curls 3 sets of 8-10 reps

    sometimes I'll add in bicep rows or do bottom halfs (only going halfway up)

    lunges:
    -barbell lunges 3 sets of 8-12 reps on each side

    shoulders:
    -upright rows 3 sets of 5-8 reps
    -overhead press 3 sets of 5-8 reps
    -side raises 3 sets of 8-10 reps
    -front raises 3 sets of 8-10 reps
    (I'll normally only do 2 or 3 of these...I just change it up)

    abs:
    -weighted crunches 3 sets of 10-20...sometimes I add in twists too
    -planks (however long I can hold it)
    -leg raises 3 sets of 8-12
    -side plank (however long I can hold it...I just do the same amount of time on each side)

    My warm up is the walk to the gym and for cool down I stretch. :)

    For my split I'm starting to do running Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and I just do full body lifting on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I used to just lift MWF though and do HIIT cardio after.

    It'll definitely be intimidating at first...but just breathe and don't be afraid to work your way around the gym...everybody starts somewhere. You can look up forms online if you're unsure, and there should be mirrors in the gym so you can check your form. :) You'll become more confident as you learn your way around the gym and get the forms down. Good luck!
  • Determinednoob
    Determinednoob Posts: 2,001 Member
    The above is way more exercises than a beginner needs to bother with. Not that it matters since the OP said she got NROL4W way back on page 1.

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