Heading into maintenance, looking to build muscle, help?

I need a bit of advice. I have 3-5 more pounds to lose then I am going to ease into maintenance by upping my intake 100 calories a week. Once I have maintained for a few weeks and I am comfortable with my new calorie level, I plan to start lifting as heavy as my body will allow so I can put on some muscle that was eaten while I lost. Long story short, I had spine surgery and I suffer from daily pain so I haven't done much exercise other than walking. I have the go ahead from my doctor to start lifting a bit as long as I stop immediately if I feel pain in my spine.
My main focus is on building my core, arms and butt. I am worried about what I can do for my core since my spine is damaged, and will always be. I won't be able to do anything really strenous like Insanity. My husband has lots of free weights, a dip station, exercise ball, kettle bell, and I have tension bands as well as a heart rate monitor. We also have a treadmill and elliptical but I would rather walk outside for light cardio.

Anyway, I am wondering how many extra calories I need to eat while trying to build muscle? I plan to workout 3 days a week for about 45 minutes, weightlifting only without cardio. I think I will maintain on about 1750-1850 before exercise according to my current rate of weightloss. My stats are:

5' 3.5"
Age 33
Weight is currently 130 but I hope to drop to 125 before maintenance
I am lightly active

Also, can anyone recommend a good beginner video for weightlifting (no cardio) that I can modify to meet my needs. I would rather have a full length video to follow along with as I learn proper form. Does anyone see a reason why I can't build muscle with my limitations? I am quite flabby (skinny fat) after losing so much weight. It would be nice to firm up but I don't want to put my mobility at risk either. Does building muscle take REALLY heavy and strenous lifting?

Thanks for the replies. I appreciate the help!

Replies

  • EmmiDahling
    EmmiDahling Posts: 104 Member
    I can't really speak to calorie intake, but wanted to say that when I was starting with weights I really liked the ChaLean DVDs. It's a BeachBody product, but I I bought mine I'd on eBay. You can do the routines with either free weights or resistance bands and she makes it a point to discuss proper form, which I found helpful.
  • sweetnlow30
    sweetnlow30 Posts: 497 Member
    I can't really speak to calorie intake, but wanted to say that when I was starting with weights I really liked the ChaLean DVDs. It's a BeachBody product, but I I bought mine I'd on eBay. You can do the routines with either free weights or resistance bands and she makes it a point to discuss proper form, which I found helpful.

    Thanks I will check that out ;)
  • sweetnlow30
    sweetnlow30 Posts: 497 Member
    Any more suggestions?