Getting Back To Lifting

fitandtrimforapp
fitandtrimforapp Posts: 3
in Fitness and Exercise
I used to lift weights to exercise DVDs a few years ago, but I fell off the wagon once I started gaining weight. I want to get back to lifting to tone up (and maybe so that I have a chance at beating my guy friends in arm wrestling competitions!), but I don't know where to begin. I know I should probably try lifting 3 days a week on nonconsecutive days in order to allow my muscles to rest, about tabatas and circuits, etc. but I feel like it's at some point a lot of information overload. I'm female, so would lifting lighter around 5 pounds work? Should I try compound exercises or simple exercises? I appreciate all the help I can get!

Replies

  • froeschli
    froeschli Posts: 1,293 Member
    check your library for some 'light reading' :tongue:
    books1.jpg

    just kidding, i think i ordered a bit too much there....

    books i would recommend are 'you are your own gym' by mark lauren, and 'new rules of lifting for women' by lou schuler.
    there's also a book called 'starting strength' which i haven't got a hold of (yet) but many people recommend. and there is stronglifts 5x5 - which gives you access to the main info online.

    i started with NROL4W (new rules of lifting...) but might change to a routine closer to stronglifts, just for simplicity's sake.
    i would definitely recommend at least reading the NROL4W book - it gives you a lot of good info and a starting point to make up your own mind about what you want to do, plus he can also be quite entertaining at times :happy:

    almost everyone here will tell you to go for lifting heavy, and nope, you won't bulk up, unless you are a genetic miracle that is.
  • sarahstrezo
    sarahstrezo Posts: 568 Member
    No, you should not stick to light 5lbs weights. They are a waste of time and effort.

    NROLFW is a great book that got me started with lifting. It explains really well why women should lift and lift heavy. It goes over the basics and gets you comfortable in the weight room. But...the program itself gets a bit complicated after the first 2 phases. Starting Strength or Strong Lifts are both excellent beginner strength based programs. Very simple but very effective. Both of those can be found online for free, I believe.
    I am personally a HUGE fan of Nia Shanks and her lifting programs. she has a FB page called Lift Like a Girl with tons of great info! She has quite a few beginner based programs as well as some intermediate programs.
  • fitandtrimforapp
    fitandtrimforapp Posts: 3
    Thanks so much!
  • megsaroo
    megsaroo Posts: 162 Member
    If joined a gym with a body pump class and it is great. Group fitness works well for me and using a large dumbell really encourages me to add more weight. Also, there are a bunch of good weight lifting videos on youtube. Try BeFit in90!

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