Help Lifting while Losing

The suggestions I see offered by a lot of people are as followed: New Rules of Lifting for Women, Starting Strength, and Stronglifts 5x5 programs. It looks like there may be some groups here on MFP that are based on these programs.

Now, if you have access to a gym and have the budget, then you can look into hiring a personal trainer - someone who can get you started on a program. This would probably be the best way because you have the interactivity instead of reading a book or watching a video, and you have someone who can watch your technique/form and provide immediate feedback.

If you have access to a gym, but don't have the money for a personal trainer, then you may want to look at books or videos that can show you some exercises and provide examples of programs. If you're partial to the machines but are intimidated by trying them out, then seek out a gym employee or experienced member to show you how to use it.

I think the key thing is to find folks either online or in person that can help you, to answer questions and/or provide feedback as you get started. So if you do go to the gym, try to get comfortable in asking people questions or for help (in a non-obtrusive way, of course). It'll keep you from feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.

Good luck to you!

Agree with the other two posters. I've been doing New Rules of Lifting for Women for a while now and am really happy with the results (plus it's fun to try new moves and see how much I can lift). I've lost about 30 lbs overall but when when the scale wasn't moving I was still losing inches (tightening my belt and watch). Overall, I highly recommed incorporting lifting into your plan in whatever way works best for you.

If you can afford to, you should try out personal training. I got a sweet groupon package for 5 sessions with a personal trainer in my area, and it has helped immensely! They will correct your form to make sure you're working the right set of muscles and avoiding injury. I had been an athlete most of my life, so I was already familiar with certain routines/moves. BUT because I'm nowhere near that the same athletic shape I was in, I'm glad I didn't start lifting or strength training on my own; I probably would have hurt myself. Everyone's body is different, so be wary of the standard advice you may receive because it may be aimed towards people who are at a different stage in their fitness progress.

Again, I can't recommend working with a personal trainer enough. My 5 sessions are almost up, but now I have the tools to keep working on my own.