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When to start lifting?

denielle715
denielle715 Posts: 101 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hey everyone! I've been off and on dieting/exercising for years. Recently, I hit one of my highest weight, 165lbs. The day after christmas, I committed to eating better as a starting point. Since then, I've lost 13lbs. I haven't been very active, so my endurance is very low.
On Monday, I plan on starting HIITMAX (in the past I've done Insanity).
So I'm wondering when I should begin lifting? I've never lifted before, never even stepped into a gym before. But I really want to start.
My question is, should I begin cardio to slim down a little more before starting weight? Thoughts or input would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Replies

  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    Teen years are typically the advised starting point. If you didn't start then, then the best you can do is start today.
  • AJ_G
    AJ_G Posts: 4,158 Member
    When to start lifting: Yesterday
  • denielle715
    denielle715 Posts: 101 Member
    Got it.
    I wasn't sure. I've heard so many different things.
    I'll be investing in a gym membership immediately.

    Any pointers on a starting program? Websites? Etc?
    Thanks again
  • joneallen
    joneallen Posts: 217 Member
    Check out bodybuilding.com for routines and some inspiration.
  • AJ_G
    AJ_G Posts: 4,158 Member
    denielle715 wrote: »
    Got it.
    I wasn't sure. I've heard so many different things.
    I'll be investing in a gym membership immediately.

    Any pointers on a starting program? Websites? Etc?
    Thanks again

    If you're a beginner, I'd suggest Starting Strength or Stronglifts 5x5. Very similar programs, great for building strength as a beginner.
  • CA_Underdog
    CA_Underdog Posts: 733 Member
    edited January 2015
    Stronglifts is a great suggestion! It's a simple in-and-out program that hits all the major muscles using compound movements. Don't be afraid to ask the gym staff or other members for help, and consider 1-3 personal training sessions to help you learn good form

    (To avoid injuries and to target the right muscles.)
  • sjaplo
    sjaplo Posts: 974 Member
    AJ_G wrote: »
    When to start lifting: Yesterday

    Definitely this.

  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    AJ_G wrote: »
    When to start lifting: Yesterday

    Last week...
  • denielle715
    denielle715 Posts: 101 Member
    Thanks. Downloaded the 5x5 app!

    And since I haven't mastered the art of time travel yet, I will begin asap!
  • 530roman
    530roman Posts: 1,819 Member
    denielle715 wrote: »
    Thanks. Downloaded the 5x5 app!

    And since I haven't mastered the art of time travel yet, I will begin asap!

    Great attitude. Go get it in!
  • jmc0806
    jmc0806 Posts: 1,444 Member
    AJ_G wrote: »
    When to start lifting: Yesterday

    this
  • zipa78
    zipa78 Posts: 354 Member
    denielle715 wrote: »
    Thanks. Downloaded the 5x5 app!

    And since I haven't mastered the art of time travel yet, I will begin asap!

    Two great choices there, congrats! And remember: start slow and don't try to rush things. The heavy weights aren't going anywhere, they'll be there waiting for you when you are ready.
  • Mary407
    Mary407 Posts: 636 Member
    530roman wrote: »
    denielle715 wrote: »
    Thanks. Downloaded the 5x5 app!

    And since I haven't mastered the art of time travel yet, I will begin asap!

    Great attitude. Go get it in!

    Yes! You'll be glad once you get started, and will wish time travel was possible. I started lifting at 38 and have seen great progress... which just makes me wonder what would have happened if I'd started at 18 or 28.

    When you join a gym, you may find that they offer free or heavily discounted intro personal training sessions for new members. If so, jump on this! Even if you don't plan to work with a trainer long term, you can get a lot out of a few sessions, especially if you are straight up with them in terms of your goals (e.g., new to strength training and interested in following one of the programs mentioned above).
This discussion has been closed.

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