starting weight lifting advice

Hello mfp!

I really want to get into weight lifting. Where do I start? I have a nice little weight bench that I look at and wonder what to do. I have seen a few books mentioned here that I think I will look into reading. Does anyone have any other advice for me? I am 5'3 235lbs and 34 years old. I am not as worried about the number on the scale as I am about how I look and feel.

I could always use a good friend if anyone would like to add me.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Replies

  • KarenJanine
    KarenJanine Posts: 3,497 Member
    What are your goals?

    For most people a full body workout 3 x per week is a good starting point.

    If you access to free weights the Stronglifts 5 x 5, Starting Strength or New Rules of Lifting are good beginner programmes. Each of these will tell you how to get started and give instruction on performing the lifts correctly. Some programmes will also carry nutritional advice.

    It's also a good idea to watch online videos of people performing lifts with good form.
  • dkapplejacks1
    dkapplejacks1 Posts: 59 Member
    You have a weight bench? Nice! Do you have free weights as well? There are a lot of videos online for beginner strength/weight training with exercises. You could follow those videos to get started.
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    There are good books out there...New Rules of Lifting for women and starting strength...or Stronglifts

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/560459-stronglifts-5x5-summary

    SS and SL are 5 basic exercises done on alternating days 3x a week.

    You need a bench, barbell, plates and for safety a squat rack of some sort...

    I personally use Stronglifts because SS has power cleans...and yes I workout at home too.

    Great gains on strength over the last 7 months.
  • _HeartsOnFire_
    _HeartsOnFire_ Posts: 5,304 Member
    There are good books out there...New Rules of Lifting for women and starting strength...or Stronglifts

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/560459-stronglifts-5x5-summary

    SS and SL are 5 basic exercises done on alternating days 3x a week.

    You need a bench, barbell, plates and for safety a squat rack of some sort...

    I personally use Stronglifts because SS has power cleans...and yes I workout at home too.

    Great gains on strength over the last 7 months.

    +1 and I personally love Stronglifts.
  • Thanks everyone! Sounds like I'm going to have to look into a squat rack lol
  • Will_Thrust_For_Candy
    Will_Thrust_For_Candy Posts: 6,109 Member
    There are good books out there...New Rules of Lifting for women and starting strength...or Stronglifts

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/560459-stronglifts-5x5-summary

    SS and SL are 5 basic exercises done on alternating days 3x a week.

    You need a bench, barbell, plates and for safety a squat rack of some sort...

    I personally use Stronglifts because SS has power cleans...and yes I workout at home too.

    Great gains on strength over the last 7 months.

    +1 and I personally love Stronglifts.

    x3