please help - exercising with weights

Using weights sounds like a good idea to me. You could try goblet squats, using both hands to hold a 20-pound weight and biceps curls and pressing overhead with the 8-lb weights. A rule of thumb I've seen is to find an exercise you can complete about 8-11 reps of with good form (last few should take some effort, but be possible with good form). When that gets too easy, add more weight.

For push-ups, what helped me was to practice holding a plank position. Working my way up to a minute helped strengthen my lower back, abs, and shoulders to get me ready for the motion of a push-up.

you tube will become your new best friend. You can find any exercise routine you want for free in "you tube".. my favorite for arms is "Tank Top Arms" . Google that and several options appear. Choose the one that is 10:58 minutes long w/ "Fit Sugar" & Holly Perkins! You can thank me later..this is definitely my (go to) routine when I'm traveling and can't get to the gym!!! :flowerforyou:

I started out doing Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred, which gave me the strength to do push-ups and also a foundation for learning form with weights for doing squats, lunges and arm/shoulder moves. It's on Youtube for free.

From there, I started with Stronglifts 5x5, which I think is a great beginner's lifting program. It's only two workouts that you alternate. It's not a lot of different movements, mostly just squats, rows, and bench presses, so you have a chance to learn the form as you move up in strength.

Good luck in whatever you decide!

I would just skip the 8 lbs dumbbell. Maybe start with the 20 lbs?

Why would she skip the 8lb dumbbells? She just said she doesn't have much upper body strength.. I started with 5lb dumbbells.

In for the info.

many gyms have a day fee. see if u can find someone who knows routines and can walk u through proper technique

Including weights training into a weight loss regiment is a fantastic idea! I'm 160 lbs off in 12 months with a weight training/cardio combo and highly recommend the same for any male/female.

Few tips.......

-Weight train first followed by cardio for more efficient fat burning. Also include slow movements in weight training, for fat loss and toning.

-Learn your weight training exercise's! Proper form plays a big part in your training to maximize results and reduce risk of injury.

-Get yourself a weight training plan, that include rest days. "Rest days are important!"

You can get a free account at bodybuilding.com that will help you put together a plan that fit your goals and has a great exercise database that include video. I use it, and is very helpful.

Good luck, and God bless

Go to jefit.com, select either a sample workout, or create your own based on the muscles you want to work out, (do not forget to add stretching) and then download the app on your phone to watch the videos for proper technique and inputting your exercise. You can also visit bodybuilding.com for videoas and suggested plans, fitnessblender.com for different exercises with weights, etc. I would also do the pilates from that website so you can strengthen your core. You can fill 2lb water/soda bottles with water if some exercises feel too heavy initially with the 8lb weights.

You need a variety of dumbbells for different exercises.

I have a lot of experience in weights, from my younger days (heavier = better = not wise) to now incorporation into my regime from bodyweight training to resistance training.

I have lost 23 pounds in the past 2 years (surpassed my goal) so your goal is about the same as mine. Cardio was my weakest and now much improved. I have found effective ways to do weights without killing my knee (I had a pin from previous injuries) or stupid overkill. Fast and effective is my goal.

Here are my suggestions:

1. Do not go all-or-nothing. Start with whatever you are comfortable with. Maybe it is cardio, maybe it is push up, maybe it is light weight. The purpose is to get your body accumstomed to working out. And your mind too.

2. Get a trainer. Failing that, check out YouTube for professional guidance on the right technique. Doing things wrong will waste your time, not to mention dangerous.

3. A lot of people have successes in trying out various DVDs like Jillian Michaels. You can follow the well designed routine. I do like JM because she incoproates warm up, weight, cardio and cool down in circuits. These DVDs are always on sale these days so a small investment to experiement with it.

4. Fitness Blender has some good ones on YouTube, another possible freebie for you to try.

5. You will very likely need to some 3,5 and 8 pounds if you are very weak. Always good to have those around.

6. Try to find some bodyweight training resources. Basically, push up is a kind of bodyweeigh training, you are using your body and not other weights. Very effecitve but you also need to be very precise with your movements.


Happy to tell you more, I think you will really enjoy the experience, good luck!

Hi

I'm starting to exercise and I have found that the Jillian Michaels DVD are brilliant. They are hard work but I have read a lot of really good reviews. Some of the DVDs use weights so it is a good way to start learning basic routines, she also has a website which gives you some basic moves if you do not want to sign up.

I hope this helps