Strength training: where should I start?

In my opinion free weights are much better as the motion is natural, when as on a machine you are forced into a certain position.
Bodybuilding.com has tons of exercises and how to do them properly.

My routine is an upper/lower split I do 5 days on 2 days off I started with a weight I could only lift 6 times for 3 sets and moved up as it got easier. The results for me have been great!

If you're a complete beginner, I would recommend getting on a program. Starting Strength or NROLFW are both really good beginners programs.

I would do SS or Stronglifts 5x5. I don't think NROLFW is as good.

I would recommend signing up for a free personal training session 1st. This way you can be taught the proper moves and gain some pointers before attempting on your own.
They may even be willing to write you a quick workout routine that you can follow for a few weeks. After that, research the web and get you a few health mags.


good luck!!!

If your gym has personal trainers, sign up for a few sessions or take some strength training classes. I agree with the other posters that free weights are best but not necessarily for beginners. I started with the machines and classes and then worked my way up to the free weight area. It's very important that you learn the correct form and what exercises to do and the trainers and classes can help you do that.

I was always afraid of the free weight area because it was mostly men. Now I have no problem getting right in there with the guys.

Hey all,

I've tried looking for a topic on this but didn't see anything that exactly answered my question, so thought I would ask!

I just joined a gym, and typically at the gym I do a lot of eliptical. But I know strength training helps build muscle and can help get the fat off faster But I don't know where to start! I'm thinking I would rather do the weight machines than free lifting. Does anyone have a routine to reccomend, or just general advice on where to start/what to work/etc.? Should I just pick some machines at random and start doing them?

does your gym have any sort of beginners class or offer an introductory personal training session for new members? That would be the best place to start.

When I started at the local Y, I asked the trainer to show me how to use a few machines. After like 7 months I finally took the free "fitstart" class and learned to use the next level of machines...

A month or 6 weeks ago I wanted to start squatting, so I asked the trainer if he had a few minutes to help me decide how much weight to use, and to watch my form to make sure I didn't hurt myself. He was happy to help. A week or so before that, I saw a lady on the "big boy" leg press, and I told her I hoped to be able to do it *one day* and she offered to show me how! I shocked myself by being able to do a LOT more than I thought I could--I started with the empty bar (118#) and was able to do 208# the next time!!

Some gyms have a circuit area. This would be a good place to start. Otherwise, I agree get the free training session and they will show you how to use machines. There are great workout videos out there that will show you different excersizes you can do at the gym etc.

I signed up for a six month program at my gym where i work with a personal trainer once a month to develop my program as I get stronger. I figured it would take a while to really see a lot of results and having the personal trainer to check in with really helps. I mostly use free weights along with rigorous calisthetics. So far I have seen changes in the way my jeans fit - I've gone from the first hole in my belt to the third.