What weight should I start lifting?

jnativ
jnativ Posts: 27 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi, I'm currently I currently weight 238lbs (168cms) - and working on getting leaner by swimming everyday. (I do 1hour laps 5x a week, also doing 0to1650) Right now I want to get 140lbs, but I'm don't really want to be very lean - I heard that it's harder to gain muscles than lose weight so is it possible to meet halfway? (Don't people bulk when they train? haha, not familiar w/ these concepts)

It's a good thing that I have pool and gym that is walking distance from where I stay but I don't really want to push myself and do everything (swimming & lifting) all at once since I'm a university student and also, I want to condition my body first w/o getting demotivated by early disappointments.

I have 0 background in strength training so I would also like to know where to start if I ever start.

Suggestions will be appreciated. Thank you! :D

Replies

  • obsidianwings
    obsidianwings Posts: 1,237 Member
    In my opinion start lifting now. Easier to maintain the muscle you have now than try and build it back later.
    Start with compound lifting 3x a week, maybe something like stronglifts 5x5
  • thisaintagame
    thisaintagame Posts: 33
    I am interested too. If i find anything i will pass it on. So far google has been my friend....
  • anemoneprose
    anemoneprose Posts: 1,805 Member
    from exrx:

    *****Identify Initial Resistances******

    Aggressive Method: workout weight can be found within one to two workouts

    Warm-up set: light weight (12-15 repetitions)

    First guess: choose weight you can perform, at least, at the lowest repetition (e.g.: 8 reps) but not the highest repetition range (e.g.: 12 reps)
    attempt 1 to 2 repetitions
    decrease resistance if you feel like you can not perform at least the lowest repetition range
    increase resistance if you feel like you can perform highest repetition range
    beyond first few repetitions, continue performing more repetitions if you feel your first guess is correct or you are still not sure if weight is too light or too heavy

    Second guess: adjusted resistance
    perform more repetitions (set) until comfortably fatigued or highest repetition range is achieved
    if lower repetition range was not achieve (weight is too heavy)
    record lighter workout weight (best guess) for next workout
    if highest repetition range was achieved (weight is too light)
    record heavier workout weight (best guess) for next workout
    if lowest repetition was achieved but highest repetition was not achieve (correct initial resistance)
    record same weight for next workout


    Conservative Method: workout weight can be found within several workouts

    Warm-up set: light weight (12-15 repetitions)

    First guess: choose weight heavier than warm up weight but lighter than what can be achieved for repetition range (e.g.: 10-15 reps)
    perform full set until comfortably fatigued or upper repetition range is achieved
    if lowest repetitions can not be achieved (weight is too heavy)
    record lighter workout weight (best guess) for next workout
    if highest repetitions can be achieved (weight is too light)
    record heavier workout weight (5-10% greater) for next workout
    if lowest repetition was achieved but highest repetition was not achieve (correct initial resistance)
    record same weight for next workout

    http://exrx.net/WeightTraining/Tips.html
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    Buy and read New Rules of Lifting for Life. All will be explained within. Sooner rather than later
  • whierd
    whierd Posts: 14,025 Member
    Buy and read New Rules of Lifting for Life. All will be explained within. Sooner rather than later

    Agreed with this. The more information you have the better.
  • CrankMeUp
    CrankMeUp Posts: 2,860 Member
    http://startingstrength.wikia.com/wiki/The_Starting_Strength_Novice/Beginner_Programs
  • jnativ
    jnativ Posts: 27 Member
    Thanks for all the inputs guys! You inspired me to buy a membership in our local gym! (Gold's Gym) I'll try to do your tips!
  • kdeaux1959
    kdeaux1959 Posts: 2,675 Member
    I started at 344 lbs and started lifting about 15 pounds into my journey. You will not "bulk up" on a calorie restriction.. however what you will do is lessen the amount of lean body mass that you lose along with the fat. As soon as you feel you can do it, then you go right ahead and lift... it won't hurt you (unless you do it wrong)... Don't be afraid to ask questions and get others to help you at the gym. As you lose down, you can lower your body fat %. If you are then interested in adding muscle to your frame, then you can go on a calorie surplus (once you are at a healthy body fat ratio) and start adding muscle... yes, you will gain fat too on a calorie surplus. Then when you get some weight added back on, then cut back down to a lower body fat percentage again. Each time, (hopefully), you will reach your Body fat goal at a little higher weight than the time before.
  • mperrott2205
    mperrott2205 Posts: 737 Member
    I started lifting straight away starting at 244 pounds. Lost all kinds of weight in just under 2 months and I can see and feel muscle growing. Obviously if you've never lifted before properly (like me) you can lose weight and build muscle - However, there will come a point where you won't grow anymore because you need to take in more calories to build mass.

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