We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

When should I start using weights/strength exercises?

jljshoe1979
jljshoe1979 Posts: 325 Member
edited January 16 in Fitness and Exercise
I have free weights at home (2 lb, 3 lb, 5 lb, and 8 lb sets) and a gym membership. I've done things (like bicep curls) with the weights and tried a few machines at the gym, but I honestly don't know what I'm doing at all when it comes to having a routine. Can I get some advice on what's best to do (i.e. reps or lbs or how many sets) for someone like me starting out? I would also appreciate some at home lower body and core strength exercises too, since I can't always get to the gym. I'm 5'3" ~160 lbs, female. Thanks in advance.

Replies

  • DostThouEven
    DostThouEven Posts: 148
    Dost Thou Even have a time machine?

    Google search "Starting Strength" and "You Are Your Own Gym"
  • da_bears10089
    da_bears10089 Posts: 1,791 Member
    Yesterday. www.stronglifts.com That site will give you all of the strength exercises you need. compound moves
  • concordancia
    concordancia Posts: 5,320 Member
    Now.

    While you are researching all the other recommendations and/or joining a gym, look up body weight exercises online.
  • da_bears10089
    da_bears10089 Posts: 1,791 Member
    Now.

    While you are researching all the other recommendations and/or joining a gym, look up body weight exercises online.

    nerdfitness.com has good ones that you could do at home.
  • tryinghard71
    tryinghard71 Posts: 593
    Today.
  • erinsueburns
    erinsueburns Posts: 865 Member
    Since yesterday isn't quite feasible ;) Lets start with today! And if you can easily use your small weights at home, the gym with more weights is the place to start.
  • kikicooks
    kikicooks Posts: 1,079 Member
    Start now. :)
    You might want to look into New Rules of Lifting for Women
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    Right.......now!

    look into an introductory/beginner strength training program like Starting Strength or Strong Lifts (I'm personally biased towards Starting Strength due to I prefer the 3x5 format, particularly if you're eating at a deficit). Don't let their simplicity fool you....these are excellent beginner strength programs that will give you an awesome strength base before moving on to whatever your ultimate lifting goals are (be a ways down the road).
  • jljshoe1979
    jljshoe1979 Posts: 325 Member
    thanks everyone
  • jljshoe1979
    jljshoe1979 Posts: 325 Member
    Dost Thou Even have a time machine?

    Google search "Starting Strength" and "You Are Your Own Gym"

    I tried that (not the time machine part :grumble: )...it was just so overwhelming to me. I was hoping to find others with similar stats to mind that did strength training. thanks, :tongue:
  • IamDianna
    IamDianna Posts: 37
    bump - need this too!
  • jljshoe1979
    jljshoe1979 Posts: 325 Member
    bump - need this too!

    Saw you bumped this, so I thought I would let you know that I ended up trying many different things, but the easiest thing I found to follow at home was from a book by "The Biggest Loser" that I found at the library. The book had a good chart of strength training exercises I have been able to do at home.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories