Weight Lifting...Where would a fatty like me begin?

You need to read a book called "New Rules of Lifting for Women".

FIRST step.....dont call yourself a fatty. Dont see yourself like that.

See if your gym offers a free personal training session to teach you some of the machines and weights. If not you can always look online and google ...weight lifting for beginners.

The book the other poster mentioned is okay also. I find so much information on health and fitness websites and u Tube.

Get started - slow at first then once the habit kicks in you can challenge yourself. I always think it is best to book a trainer to show you the correct way to lift weights (either free weights or machine) and really focus on correct 'form' rather than lots of kgs. I did read something a while back which explains that when you first start it doesn't always show on the scale as the muscle starts building quicker than the fat goes - but then you wake up one morning and notice the shape and the scales go down. Good Luck. And like another said don't call yourself fat - we are all just a work in progress.

I had a similar problem. I started losing weight in Jan 2012 and managed to lose 70 lbs on my own. But i knew I needed to start lifting to keep up my weight loss and improve how my body looked (loose skin sucks!). I had no idea how to start or what to do. This was compounded by the fact i have multiple bone, joint, and soft tissue injuries.

So I found myself a personal trainer. It is something you might want to look into. After learning how to lift I feel comfortable working on my own, but I still continue working with my personal trainer once a week.

Building muscle and sculpting your body is a great way to get results...and since muscle burns more calories than fat, you'll end up slimming down faster as your strength increases!

When I first started with weights, I'd do two or three exercises per muscle group (back, arms, shoulders, chest and legs) 3-4 times a week. I'd do the same machines/workout for 2 weeks, then change machines, but still work on the same body parts. MyFitnessBuddy is a great app that breaks down workouts for each area so you don't feel lost in the gym.

After a few months, I'm now working on just one or two muscle groups per workout (back/bi's, shoulders/tri's, chest, legs) plus abs every time. I'm in the gym (which is at work) at least 4 times a week, plus two cardio only days on my days off.

The biggest challenge is just getting STARTED! Once you feel more comfortable in the gym, you'll look for new challenges. I'd be more than happy to share my workout with you, if you'd like.

Happy lifting!

Check out bodybuilding.com which has programs for people at all levels from novices through the more hardcore types.

GL! Once you start, you'll love it!

This is a great site!!!!

Thanks for posting! I've been wondering about the same thing. I am baffled by and fearful of the weight machines and free weights in my gym. It seems like only the enormous, muscle-y men use them. I feel intimidated and unsure. I have been considering hiring a personal trainer, and I really think that is the best route for me--since I have no knowledge or experience with this form of exercise.

I'd really suggest following Starting Strength. 5 lifts to learn, 3 sessions per week. The first is Squat, Bench, Pendlay Row, the second is Squat, Overhead Press, Deadlift and then you just alternate between the two workouts every time you hit the gym.

Barbell work will strengthen your core and work more stabiliser muscles than machines. Also, come on over to the women's lifting group: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/4618-stronglifts-5x5-for-women We don't bite, and we have women doing all sorts of heavy lifting programmes now.