Where do I start my strength training at the gym?

So, have you looked at programs that are interesting to you at all?
I would find an easy to use program (Strong Lifts, Starting Strength, there's another program called Ice Cream lifts or something... I don't know.. find some gym program you like and can stick with). If you do not like any programs online- go to a trainer and explain that you want to start up a program.

here is a fitness program picker: http://www.rohitnair.net/pp/#muscle_gain/strength/beginner

Now that you found a program you are ready to start lifting, right? Possibly. Check out form. Watch some youtube videos- do some quality research. Cannot lift a barbell? DO not do strength lifting with a barbell. Modify the lifts with dumb bells. Or just start with body strength (Squats & Lunges, negatives on pull-ups, modified tricep movements (like reverse plank and going down and bending your elbows and lifting yourself back up to reverse planks). Unsure of what you are doing? get a trainer that you have a goal program, however you are unsure about your form.

you can practice barbell movements with pvc pipes.


here is an irrelevant link: http://whatanimaldoyoulift.herokuapp.com/

Check out shovelgloving. That's something easy you can do at home and they should you exactly what to do. I'm no fitness expert, far from it actually, but here's what I do and I've starting to see a difference even after only a few weeks:

I take a class one night a week- a Circuit Cycle class that alternates cycling with strength exercises like lunges, squats, triceps, planks, etc. Before class I use some of the machines, the ones I'm comfortable with. I do three sets of ten for each machine and if I feel like it I go back and do a few of the machines a second time. After class I hit the pool to leisurely swim. At least two or three other days during the week I swim and in the pool I do plenty of exercises using the water as my resistance.

I'm also taking part in a challenge with a few friends- It's one of those do a varying number of squats/crunches/sit-ups a day. It's been nice. I can actually do sit-ups now! I took the time to look online, to research how to do each of those exercises properly. Soon I also plan to get a resistance cord because I've discovered -via my cycle class- that they assist in balance when doing my squats while working my biceps at the same time.

I've considered hitting some of the machines before the pool on those other days because I feel like they help a great deal. I'm not sure why they shouldn't be used for beginners. I know they give me guidance and assistance where I need it, especially because I have arthritis and have always had trouble with free weights. Machines that don't require me to move weights- that let me just move a stick to the right weight I need and start- are a feature I'm very thankful for. Those machines tell you exactly how to sit, move, etc.. and I have a lot more trouble with poster and such when using free weights.

A trainer is a great idea if you can afford one. That's on my bucket list. *chuckles* My suggestion is to talk to some of the people at the gym- take a class then pull the teacher aside and get their opinion. I know I've found out some very useful information that way- like making sure I do hamstring exercises to compensate for how much work my other leg muscles are getting during cycle.

Start slow. Start with a plan. Don't be afraid of the machines. Work at your own pace but make progress.

I can't imagine I helped much but I wish you all the best as you figure out what'll work for you.

Try to get a personal trainer to show you what to do a few times. Otherwise, look into videos showing correct form, and practice in front of a mirror at first with either no weight at all, or very low weight so you will not be at risk of any injury and feel more comfortable. Also you could look into circuit training classes, as you will also learn the basics for many exercises there regarding form.

I looked at Stronglifts and I'm worried because I don't know how to hold a free weight, how my posture should be, or anything really. I'm just curious - why are the weight machines at the gym bad for beginners?

YouTube. I googled all the moves and watched videos.

I looked at Stronglifts and I'm worried because I don't know how to hold a free weight, how my posture should be, or anything really. I'm just curious - why are the weight machines at the gym bad for beginners?

If you can afford it, get just one or two sessions with a personal trainer who can show you the correct way to do these basic lifts. If not, just google them. You'll find tons of videos and step-by-step posters showing exactly how to do each lift, and all the do's and don'ts to keep you safe. I didn't use a personal trainer, I just watched the videos and looked through a few fitness sites with advice on form, and I felt pretty comfortable after the first few times.

One thing that nobody told me at first is that the bar is 45 lbs. (I assume that's a standard weight for all barbell bars?) and that you should start with just lifting the bar until you're comfortable with your form.

This is a men's bar. There are also lower weight women's bars which might be a better idea if the OP is an absolute beginner and feels uncomfortable.

I don't think my gym has lower weight bars. They seem to all be the same. But I found that 45 lbs was ok to begin with, and I'm pretty weak and out of shape.