Ok one more dumb question here

I am by no means a weight lifting expert; in fact, I am looking for help with this myself. But I would say just to get you started, it is as simple as lifting what you are comfortable lifting. I wouldn't imagine age has much to do with this. Try 10-12 pound weights for your arms, 20-30 pounds for your legs, do some reps, and see how you feel. If it is way too heavy or way too easy, adjust accordingly.

start with an empty bar and add weight each week.

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

start with an empty bar and add weight each week.

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

This. Also look up starting strength, or stronglifts 5x5. I guarantee you, you can lift more than 10 pounds.

start with an empty bar and add weight each week.

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

Dav knows his stuff...absolutely. For myself and women I work with, I usually do it a little differently though. I've found that if the weight isn't quite heavy enough (an empty bar for example is often too light), they have a harder time with form than they would with a little bit of weight. I usually start women with a weight they can comfortably lift about 12 times, for each exercise. We iron down their form with that weight, doing about 8 reps/3 sets, then...once they've got the motions down (this usually takes a few sessions)...we start adding weight until they're lifting at max effort for those same 8 reps/3 sets. At that point, I'll have them start adding weight on a weekly/session basis as Dav suggested.

I used to recommend going directly to a 5x5 protocol (5 reps for 5 sets), but the problem is if you don't work on your form first, the weight you'll need to lift to fail beyond 5 reps could cause injury. Better to start lighter (but not too light!)...and build up to it.

As much as is heavy to you in around the 4-8 rep range. If you can do 12+ reps, it ain't that heavy.

As a complete beginner, you will need some education. Check out New Rules of Lifting for Women, or better yet, Starting Strength. (they are books).

Hey buddy

I suggested a weight she could do 12 reps with simply to iron down form...starting right off in the max effort/4-8 rep range can be a little tough on someone new, and without a dedicated and experienced spotter...could make injury more likely. Within 2wks she should be pushing into the max effort/8 rep range, then later can move into a 5x5 format if she chooses.