Women and Strength Training

I love pumping iron! It makes me strong enough for when tasks require it like lifting furniture or carrying multiple bags of groceries. When I slacked off for a few years I started getting strains, aches and pains. I thought it was old age. I got back into it and they are almost gone! Even my arthritis in my shoulder is not as bad!

Yes and love it!

YES! I LOVE It!!!! I love it so much more than cardio!!! It just makes me feel strong and that makes me feel sexy! I'm starting to get some nice definition in my arms and calves, too. My husband has noticed, and that helps my self-esteem SO much!

When my boyfriend and I got together he wanted me to stop because he didn't want me muscley, boy was that a mistake. We've been together 10 years and I'm now realizing that, so I started up again, I feel so good! If he doesn't like it, TOO DAMN BAD!! This is what is good foe ME!!!

I want to! Maybe I don't know how or am confused when I go to the gym and see so many machines I don't know where to start.:grumble:

What is the best way to do this? And how should I get started. Heeeeeeeelp :ohwell:

Depending on the gym you go to, the staff should be fully qualified and available to show you some things. That's what they are getting pain for. They wouldn't want you to use them wrong and get injured! Plus, then you don't have to pay for a pewrsonal trainer. Or you could just observe what others are doing and try to copy (inconspicuously, of course!)

I've just started and wont have access to a gym. All home based, hikes, 30 day shred, walks is my main focus now. Any pointers for at home? I refuse to buy gym equip.

I do and I love it also.. My arms are becoming more defined and looking toned. Still waiting to see the definition show in my thighs. I am muscular anyway, but weight training really tones me up nicely...

I want to! Maybe I don't know how or am confused when I go to the gym and see so many machines I don't know where to start.:grumble:

What is the best way to do this? And how should I get started. Heeeeeeeelp :ohwell:

I invested in ONE round with a trainer to get some moves. I'd do those for a while and then when I felt it was time to move on, I'd do it again. At they gym I went to, the guy in charge of training HATED the machines. I don't know if this is a universal thought or just his, but he wouldn't let me use them. It was all free weights and bands. I guess I did use a couple of the machines, but not the ones I had been using most of my life. The machines he put me on where the ones that they bodybuilders where using. I'm glad I got the session, because it really showed me what I could be doing!

That being said, I haven't gone to a gym in a while. We relocated halfway across the US and I just haven't gotten back into a gym. Instead, I am doing the JM 30 Day shred, which involves weights. But I also supplement with P90X videos. I LOVE the Arms and Shoulders one. It's all free-weights and it's completely awesome!!!

I definately do... Muscles are the best fitness "tool" a person has.

I use free weights, resistance bands, and body weight exercises.

I have gone back and forth on the strength training...done a bit of it here and there... I ended up working out of town for 6 months and halfway through I roped one of my guy friends into hooking me up with a pretty basic strength training program...which he did, even sent me pictures/video of how to do some of the more confusing things properly - and I have to admit, I enjoy it.

And if it i a matter of not wanting to ask a stranger how to do things (though it seems most people in the gym are pretty cool about being asked a few questions if you are polite) - check in with your friends, or (with caution) look up some exercises on youtube...just to get the form and whatnot.

Well, I don't have a gym membership, but I do strength and resistance workout dvds here in my house using 5 & 8lb weights. I'm a stay at home mom and don't trust strangers at the gym daycare to watch my daughter.